A Third-Rate Villain’s Sweet Life Exploiting Academy Bugs – Chapter 53

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Translated By Arcane Translations
Translator: Wjin
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Not only war heroes, but also members of the royal family, duchy officials, prominent nobles, knight orders, and high-ranking guild executives began to gather at the academy.

That’s how much attention the Clarice Academy ranking matches garnered.

And so, the final weekend before the ranking matches arrived.

-I… I know where it is. The Armored Wyvern.

Take me with you, and I’ll tell you.

The dragon that had taken the life of a war hero’s comrade.

Scarlett’s hatred must have been far greater than I had imagined,

because she and Dustin had secretly summoned me, insisting on investigating my claim immediately, even though it was the weekend.

They both had prior commitments, so we had no choice but to depart early in the morning.

“Alright, we’re here. Tell us.”

“It’s in Domentoum.”

“Domentoum? That’s inland, and it’s already been purified…”

“It’s a deception. Camouflage magic.”

“What?”

Domentoum, a desolate desert far from Clarice Academy, devoid of human presence.

Dustin, who had been listening to our conversation, made a suggestion before we set off.

“Let’s just confirm if the Armored Wyvern is actually there and come back. We have other matters to attend to today, and Umberto is away on urgent business.”

“…”

Scarlett didn’t respond.

.

.

.

‘War heroes do have their perks…’

Thanks to the portal Scarlett had opened beforehand using her connections with the Mage Tower and their dedicated mounts, powered by mana stones, a day trip to this distant location was possible.

We arrived at Domentoum, a field dungeon known as the Desolate Nest.

-Crackle…

“It’s hotter than I expected.”

Dustin unbuttoned a few buttons on his leather armor.

The scenery, with its barren earth and rocks, resembled the Grand Canyon,

and as he had pointed out, the climate was harsh.

Not only was it devoid of human presence, but even for a field dungeon, it was eerily devoid of monsters.

It was a perfect example of hiding in plain sight.

According to the original game, a renowned black mage had secluded himself in this desert, spending a considerable amount of time constructing a barrier.

And the Armored Wyvern, severely wounded during the war, was said to be hiding here, recuperating.

“Brat, you could have just told us the location.”

“Well, even if you’re war heroes, it would be problematic for me if you returned empty-handed and denied its existence.”

“…You’re surprisingly suspicious for someone with such a pretty face.”

“Thank you for the compliment.”

“Tch, annoying little…”

I gave a nonchalant response and began recalling the Armored Wyvern’s attack patterns when…

“Alright!”

Dustin, a true knight with a muscular physique, stretched and asked,

“So, what’s your relationship with that girl?”

He was referring to Aria.

-[‘Aria Bluebell’s’ Surveillance Level towards ‘Lev Denec’ has increased to 3.]

Thanks to the previous Dungeon Exploration Practice, her Surveillance Level had reached 3,

and when I tried to sneak out at dawn,

-Could I… accompany you…?

she appeared before me, her body not yet fully recovered.

-And who is this young lady?

-She knows a bit of healing magic. I apologize if I’m overstepping, but I’d like to request permission to join you.

-I apologize, but I do not bring injured individuals on my journeys.

-…

-I… understand.

Thankfully, Dustin, with his unwavering convictions forged through countless battles alongside his comrades, didn’t allow her to join.

Still, the sight of a frail woman, barefoot at dawn, seeing off a man…

I wasn’t sure what kind of filters were running through Dustin’s mind… but he seemed to find our relationship suspicious.

“She’s quite a charming girl. It’s heartwarming to see someone so dedicated to her comrades.”

“Yes.”

And, as expected, he leaned in and asked,

“Is she… interested in you, by any chance?”

“Haha…”

It was a common trope, even in my previous world, for men of a certain age to be intrigued by young love.

“Hmm, hmm, there’s no doubt she likes you…”

‘This is getting annoying…’

I needed to focus on mentally simulating every single attack pattern of the Armored Wyvern.

This wasn’t the time for childish banter.

“Yes, you’re right. We’re dating.”

“Oh!”

“We’ve been together for two months. I confessed my feelings… Anything further is a matter of personal privacy.”

I readily confirmed his suspicion and shut my mouth. Dustin gulped, disappointed, but didn’t press further.

“Hmm, hmm! I knew it! My eyes haven’t failed me yet. Kids these days move fast…”

It was understandable for war heroes, whose youth had been consumed by demon hunting, to react this way.

As Dustin nodded in admiration, a sharp voice interrupted him.

“Dustin, please. Be quiet.”

“Why? Isn’t young love pure and exciting? You, too, once…”

“Shut your mouth, or else.”

Scarlett placed her hand on her wand.

“…Fine, I’ll be quiet.”

As in the novel, one more word from him, and she’d probably cast a silencing spell.

“Wait a minute.”

Scarlett’s voice faltered.

She gestured with her hand, as if tracing something in the air, and murmured,

“I can’t believe… such a powerful camouflage spell actually exists…”

Then, her voice filled with astonishment, she said,

“You wouldn’t even notice it unless you got close…”

Scarlett still stared at me suspiciously.

“There’s definitely something here, as you said. If you value your life, listen to me from now on.”

-Scribble, scribble.

Scarlett expertly began unraveling the barrier with her magic pen.

She frowned occasionally, encountering obstacles, but it didn’t take long, perhaps because it was only meant for three people.

“Dustin, focus on the front.”

“Got it.”

“And punk, stay back and out of the way.”

“Yes, yes.”

As expected, I was nothing more than dead weight.

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Back at the academy, Yeriel, her beautiful silver hair neatly braided to one side and adorned with a butterfly hairpin,

was observing the sparring session between Edwin and Aveline.

Since the Dungeon Exploration Practice, Edwin had become more proactive.

He seemed to have awakened a desire to become stronger, his training sessions becoming longer and more intense.

He was relentlessly challenging Aveline Balantes, the S-rank daughter of the Sword Emperor.

“Haaaah!”

-Thud!

Of course, his battle cry was short-lived as he crashed to the ground.

“I sense nothing in your swordsmanship. Challenging me is like throwing an egg against a rock.”

“One more time, please.”

“Goodness… you’re tireless. This is the last one; I have club activities to attend.”

Aveline sparred with Edwin halfheartedly, using only one hand.

Yeriel watched, her mind preoccupied with other thoughts.

Specifically, Lev Denec.

-Then we can just be friends from now on…

-Are you… asking to be friends?

-…Yeah.

What did it mean to be friends?

A comrade you could rely on and ask for help?

Or someone you could confide in and share your secrets with?

She had helped Edwin train with Aveline today because

-Yeriel, Edwin said he needs your help.

Lev had asked her to do so the other day.

It was only natural for friends to help each other.

-Lev! Good morning…?

But he had… disappeared… early in the morning.

And moments ago, Cynatis had approached her and said,

-Left, academy, early, morning. Aria too.

He had ventured out,

with Aria Bluebell.

-Why… were you hugging Aria… back then…?

-It wasn’t a hug; I tripped and fell.

-Oh, I see!

-……………

That awkward silence…

“Lev, you liar.”

Friends shouldn’t lie to each other.

A pang of sadness struck Yeriel’s heart.

‘I’m not that oblivious…’

.

.

.

The sparring session reached its conclusion.

Aveline was victorious, as always.

“Huff… huff…”

“!!”

But Aveline… she was gripping her training sword with both hands.

Edwin had… improved.

Yeriel murmured softly,

“Friends… are difficult.”

She should be happy for them, for their blossoming friendship. But why…?

A faint smile touched her lips, a ripple of unease disturbing the calmness of her heart.

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After walking for some time within the barrier,

a familiar mana signature registered in her mind.

“It’s… real…”

Scarlett felt a surge of adrenaline, her blood running cold.

Before her stood a jet-black dragon, its entire body covered in thick, impenetrable scales.

The creature that was once known as the [Black Armor].

The Black Armor, seemingly asleep and recuperating, hadn’t noticed the three intruders yet.

“Scarlett, let’s call it a day. We’ve confirmed it, let’s head back.”

Dustin, suppressing his own excitement, placed a hand on Scarlett’s shoulder.

-Tremble…

“Scarlett…?”

But she couldn’t control the rage boiling within her.

-Scarlett! Still studying?

-Have a snack while you work!

-Scarlett? Are you asleep?

-Would you join our party?

Adrin, the Divine Archer, the only one who had reached out to Scarlett, who had always kept everyone at arm’s length with her abrasive personality.

He was her first true comrade.

And he had sacrificed himself to save her.

He had taken on…

-Take care, Scarlett.

…the black magic that had erupted from this creature…

… shielding her with his own body, and…

“I’ll… kill…”

The Armored Wyvern’s left wing hadn’t fully regenerated; a patch of black scales was still missing.

That scar was undoubtedly from Adrin’s final attack.

His last stand to save his comrade…

“I have to… kill… it… Revenge…”

“Scarlett? Calm down!”

-Grooooowl…

Mana erupted from Scarlett’s body, an uncontrollable surge of power.

“W-wait, Scarlett! Calm down! There will be other opportunities! Today, we just need to confirm… Ugh!”

Her murderous mana

-◼◼◼◼…?

…awakened the Black Armor.

-◼◼◼◼◼◼◼◼◼◼◼◼◼◼◼!!!!!!!!!

“Ugh!”

The creature let out a deafening roar as it unfurled its wings.

A black fog engulfed the three intruders.

“Everyone, back away!”

The situation had escalated.

They were supposed to simply confirm its existence.

Although the Armored Wyvern, the Black Armor, was a forcibly demonized dragon, not on par with a centuries-old true dragon,

it was still a formidable opponent.

And even the ten war heroes, renowned for their strength, were only considered powerful among humans.

They were currently a two-person party, not the standard five-person team,

and the addition of a freshman cadet was more of a liability than an asset.

They had to prioritize his safety, which would make things even more…

The Black Armor unleashed its breath attack.

-◼◼◼◼◼◼◼◼◼◼◼◼◼◼◼◼◼!!!!!!!!!

“This way!”

Dustin raised his shield, summoning a barrier of holy light.

-Clang! Clang! Clang! Clang!

The dome-shaped barrier of light collided with the black magic.

Thankfully, the Black Armor hadn’t fully recovered; its attack lacked its former power.

-…

Scarlett’s eyes were glazed over, her lips moving in a continuous chant.

“Damn it!”

This was a complete mess.

Dustin was the vanguard, specialized in defense.

If Scarlett didn’t regain her composure, they wouldn’t be able to inflict any significant damage.

.

.

.

“Hmm…”

I knew Scarlett was prone to emotional outbursts,

but I didn’t expect her to pull such a reckless stunt.

As I observed Dustin’s aura,

a status window appeared, signaling the boss encounter.

-Ding!

The Black Armor was a juvenile dragon, demonized through a pact with the demons.

That’s why it was a dark attribute monster, not an elemental one.

In human terms, it was akin to a demon.

However, it was also two ranks stronger than the Blaze Fiend.

And… as expected…

In this desolate desert,

I was, as always, invisible.

‘Invincible as long as I don’t attack first…’

-Clang! Clang! Clang! Clang! Clang!

Meanwhile, Dustin, the paladin, was valiantly blocking the Black Armor’s breath attacks.

Two war heroes vs. a high-ranking dragon.

Didn’t everyone get curious about this while playing games?

-Who would win in a fight between the Commander NPC and the Chapter 2 hidden boss?

-Obviously the hidden boss. Its HP is insane.

-Nope, the Commander would win with kiting.

This was a spectacle worth watching while munching on popcorn.

I pulled out a bag of academy-issued popcorn and stuffed a handful into my mouth.

-Crunch.

Anyway,

“The last hit is mine.”

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