A Wild Man Has Entered the Academy

Chapter 197

Soul World, in other words, allows violence even in the game.

Whether the other side insults you or you simply feel like hitting them, it doesn't matter. You can even attack your allies.

However, as in any civilization, the moment you wield violence recklessly, you are met with the iron hammer of the law.

There's a saying that civilization began by fighting with words, not fists. For that reason, direct violence is generally avoided.

[Civilized people are ruder than barbarians because their heads don't get split open even if they speak rudely.]

It's a phrase that could be considered a legendary quote. In some ways, it makes barbarians seem more polite.

But just because you're civilized doesn't mean your head won't get split open. If you cross the line with your words, punches are bound to follow.

Moreover, this world is pure 'romance' itself. The scope of self-defense is very wide, so speaking recklessly can lead to big trouble.

For instance, imagine a commoner insulting a noble. Even if the noble knocks out the commoner's teeth, it's unlikely anyone would complain.

Of course, you have to deal with the aftermath yourself. Plus, if there's no evidence, the situation becomes ambiguous.

"We've heard the statement from the offending student. There are quite a few problematic remarks. We will now hear the testimony of the victimized student and proceed with appropriate measures."

"... ..."

One member of the committee spoke their piece and walked out the door.

The sound of the iron door was vividly clear in my ears. At the moment, I was locked up in none other than a prison.

It's more like a temporary detention center than a prison. It's where people who commit violence or other crimes are confined.

'It's been a while since I've seen this place.'

If you commit a crime at the Academy, you usually end up confined here. The place of confinement varies depending on the criminal's skills or the severity of the crime.

In terms of levels, it's at level 3, and the place I'm currently confined is also level 3. It was secured this way to prevent potential escape.

Fortunately, for a prison, it wasn't barren or unpleasant. It had a bed and all the necessary amenities.

'Not that it means I can't escape if I wanted to.'

I flopped onto the bed and stared up at the ceiling. Even the ceiling was made of sturdy iron.

Not only iron but it must have been specially treated with magic. It felt like the cage of a ferocious beast.

Considering the things I've done, calling it a cage isn't far off. It meant that they were wary of my power.

'It'll be resolved well, right?'

Soul World is a game with high freedom. Therefore, it allows players to act with malicious intent.

You can indiscriminately wield violence or commit fraud whenever the opportunity arises. It's bad enough to make you question whether these are actions an Academy student would commit.

Doing so would only accrue infamy and ruin your relationships, but it's still a game. Plus, you can enjoy a thrilling playstyle.

Of course, as I said before, you have to bear the consequences yourself. Still, I expected to get out of this situation relatively easily.

'If nothing else, I messed with Rod.'

Up until now, it could've been considered simple sexual harassment. But since it involved Rod, the Academy would likely try to keep it quiet.

To put it bluntly, losing his tongue was inevitable. This is even a world where magic can distinguish lies.

The situation was infinitely advantageous for me, but I was still somewhat worried about how others would react, especially Rod.

'He wouldn't hit me with a cane, would he...?'

Rod had pleaded with me not to cause trouble. Yet the moment school started, I stirred up a huge incident.

Moreover, it wasn't just property damage but assault. Assault that left someone mute.

Although Rod might hear the full story, I'd still get scolded.

'I'm not at fault.'

The fault lies with them. They committed insults so severe they couldn't complain even if their tongue was ripped out.

Sometimes, there are people who say both sides are to blame, but I honestly don't understand their perspective.

No way. Are the guy who hit first and the one who retaliated the same? Faults should be clearly distinguished.

"The investigation results are in. It has been confirmed that Mr. Sivar's testimony is entirely true."

How long had I been sulking on the bed? After some time, the person I had seen earlier returned.

In the meantime, it seemed they had heard the testimony of the ruffian whose tongue I cut. I wondered if he could even speak properly.

Or maybe someone else testified on his behalf. There were other guys with him, after all.

"The victim and accomplices will be suspended starting now. Additionally, their families will be informed of the situation."

"... ..."

"However."

Just when I thought I wouldn't have to deal with those ruffians anymore.

A committee member unusually emphasized the word "however." It seemed measures would be taken against me as well.

"Given that the offending student's retaliation was excessive, the student will be assigned 10 hours of community service. This concludes the matter."

"...Community service?"

"Yes. You'll hear more details from the professors."

With that, the disciplinary committee member left the room again. Incidentally, the prison door was wide open.

I stared blankly at the wide-open prison door before turning my gaze back to the ceiling. There was still much to mull over.

'Ten hours of community service? Not even 100, just 10?'

Even crimes committed at the Academy can be resolved through community service.

During that time, you can't do anything else but serve, which hinders your growth.

However, even simple assault usually results in at least 30 hours. From this, I was convinced they were being lenient because of Rod.

And it wasn't just Rod. This could've escalated into an international dispute, so they likely glossed over it.

'Having solid connections sure helps.'

Not just Rod, who is hailed as the Sword Saint, but also the Young Lady of the Matra Empire's Duke's Family, the Princess of Tatars, and so on. His network of connections is unreal.

I'm not sure how these relationships formed in such a way. Especially Rod, with whom I became close unintentionally.

He even instilled a sense of etiquette in me, so I can't say it's a distant relationship. He's far surpassed being a mere reliable ally.

'Seeing his genuine concern for me... well...'

It was around the time I was lying on the bed, idly. I sensed someone entering the prison.

Turning my head toward the wide-open door, I saw a familiar figure. An elderly gentleman with an impressive, straight mustache.

"What are you thinking about?"

Rod had come to see me. There was a clear reason the prison door was wide open.

As soon as he arrived, I got up from the bed and sat properly. Rod also brought a chair to sit on.

"Nothing much. Just thinking about the service."

"Service? Ah, you mean community service?"

"Yes."

"It won't be much, I'd imagine. It's just picking up trash or carrying loads."

Community service is simple. But its true implication lies in hindering growth.

You have to wake up early in the morning or do it after classes. It's a bit of a hassle but nothing too burdensome.

"... ..."

"... ..."

After that, an awkward silence settled between me and Rod. I was busy gauging his mood.

Despite all his warnings, I had caused trouble. Even Rod seemed a bit troubled.

"...Well, let's hear the story first."

"... ..."

"Why did you hit a fellow student? What was the reason?"

In the awkward atmosphere, Rod was the first to speak. Judging by his words, it seemed he hadn't heard the full story yet.

Perhaps the disciplinary committee had explained it vaguely. The ruffians' remarks weren't just insulting—they were utterly disgraceful.

If Rod were to hear about it, he would've cut off their heads, not just their tongues.

"...I don't want to talk about it."

"Sivar."

"I just don't want to. I'm not going to."

That's why I didn't want to speak further. How could I possibly say that in front of him?

Rod sternly pressed me, but I responded by turning my head. It was my way of saying I didn't want to talk anymore.

At this, Rod inhaled deeply and exhaled. He must have been frustrated, but there was nothing he could do.

"I know well that you don't hurt people without reason. There must have been a reason this time, too."

"Then hear it later. Not from me."

"Alright. I suppose I'll hear the full story soon enough."

If it's Rod, he'll find everything out. But I didn't understand why he had come to me.

However, his next words made me shiver.

"Why are you angry?"

"... ..."

"I've rarely seen you angry. Not annoyed, but truly furious."

His words accurately pinpointed my emotions. I turned to face Rod.

At first, I suppressed my anger repeatedly, but I reached the breaking point and caused an incident. However, I did not regret it.

Rather, I felt relieved. That ruffian wouldn't be able to speak recklessly anymore, not even properly speak.

"I want to know why you were angry. I think I'll feel at ease after hearing it."

"... ..."

"Can you tell me? For me and for others as well."

Rod asked me firmly. Again, it was a request, not an order.

A person as great as the Sword Saint was requesting something from me. Treating me as an equal, person to person.

I hesitated, mumbling while thinking it over, then I sighed. At the very least, I didn't want to disappoint Rod.

"... I cursed."

"You cursed?"

"Yes. I cursed at my friends and you, Rod."

"I see."

Tap- Tap-

Rod, after hearing my response, gave me a gentle smile. At the same time, he lightly patted my head.

I glanced at Rod's face, moved by his affectionate touch as a person. It bore a contented smile, far from any anger.

"You did well. If it were anger for your own sake, I would have scolded you harshly. But it was anger for others. That's a good sign."

"I'm included in it too. Because of me..."

"You don't need to say more. If you were going to cut out their tongue, you might as well have ripped it out completely."

"... ..."

Was it okay to say something like that? He probably meant it as a joke, but anyone else who heard it would've been horrified.

I wasn't the type to take jokes lightly and often carried them out literally. Of course, I wouldn't actually do it.

"From now on, clean up street trash and carry loads diligently. I hope you'll realize something while volunteering."

"... You're not going to get angry?"

"No. Why would I get angry?"

Rod lightly tapped my arm and stood up. Then he gave a small laugh and nodded his head backward.

It was a signal to leave the prison together. I glanced around cautiously and then slowly got up.

When I finally came out with him, I encountered some very familiar faces.

"Ah. It's Sivar."

"Sivar!"

Kara, Ellie, and finally Luna. They brightened up when they saw me coming out with Rod.

Seeing even Ellie there, aside from Kara and Luna, it seemed the news had spread widely. It was a bit embarrassing.

"What happened? No problems, right?"

"Yes. I got community service."

"Community service?"

Hearing I received community service, Ellie tilted her head in confusion. She seemed unfamiliar with such a punishment.

However, only one person reacted differently. As soon as Kara heard "community service," she frowned and spoke in a weary tone.

"That's really annoying. How many hours did you get?"

"Ten hours."

"Have you ever received it?"

That question came from Luna. She seemed genuinely curious after noticing Kara's knowing reaction.

At this, Kara awkwardly touched her hair and gave a bitter smile. Then, she revealed her past.

"Back in the day, I... caused a lot of trouble. You know the rumors that were going around, right?"

"Ah, yes. About how you frequently hit people..."

"Every time, I was given community service. I had my reasons too. The maximum I received was 100 hours, I think."

Before Kara matured mentally, she caused all sorts of incidents, mostly related to assault.

If she was insulted as a barbarian, she would respond with her fist. Her reasons were justified enough that even the academy didn't expel her.

However, 100 hours of community service still seemed excessive. Just how many people did she beat up to receive that much?

Luna blinked at Kara's words and then casually asked.

"Are you a volunteer worker or something?"

"Seems like it. So, let me hit you once."

"Pfft."

I chuckled weakly. Luna's mouth was still the same as ever.

[Faith Increases!]