I’m Telling You, I’m Not The Villain! – Chapter 17

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Translated By Arcane Translations
Translator: Lord Fourth
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“Ugh, I’m a little nervous…”

It was a month before the entrace ceremony.

“Aren’t you nervous at all, Master?”

Eilly and Arold were in a carriage, heading towards the center of the royal capital.

“Hmm….”

They were on their way to the academy entrance exam. In this world, prospective students had to take an entrance exam before being admitted to the academy.

The purpose of the exam was to assess the students’ abilities and assign them to classes.

“I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t nervous at all, but I’m not worried.”

Ironically, he hadn’t known about this rule. In the game, it started on the day of enrollment. Still, it wasn’t unfamiliar, as similar exams existed in his previous world.

“I’m sure you’ll be the top student, Master!”

“Thank you.”

Of course, there were differences. In his previous world, exams were taken with writing instruments. But in the academy, the evaluation was based on one’s own weapon.

Instead of solving test papers, the academy assessed abilities through customized tests.

For example, mages would hit targets with magic or have their power measured with special magic stones.

Those specializing in bladed weapons or martial arts would fight magic-created golems or spar with instructors to gauge their skills.

Clatter, clatter –

The carriage rattled. His shoulders shook slightly due to the vibrations from the wheels against the road.

“Ugh….”

However, Eilly, sitting across from him, seemed to be shaking not because of the vibrations, but from anxiety.

“It’s alright, Eilly.”

He placed his hand on her shoulder and offered her a reassuring smile.

“You’ll do well.”

It was a perfunctory remark, but he hoped it would offer some encouragement to Eilly, who was trembling uncontrollably.

“Yes? Oh… Y-Yes…!! I’m very worried, but… I’ll do my best!”

His brief words of encouragement seemed to have provided some comfort; Eilly’s complexion brightened slightly.

The reason Eilly was so restless was that she also had to take the entrance exam.

“I will achieve satisfactory results… so that I can continue to serve you at the academy, Master!”

The reason why she, a maid from the mansion, was taking the academy entrance exam was a bit complicated to explain.

In short, it had been decided that she would attend the academy as a student to continue serving him.
Outsiders weren’t allowed inside the academy, so she had to become a student like him.

There were very few suitable candidates to accompany him within the Stenman mansion.

“Just don’t fail.”

“Yes…!”

Well… it was more accurate to say there was only one candidate. The academy was a place to nurture young talents, and Eilly was the only maid his age.

“I’m also a little excited…!”

Eilly had gladly accepted the offer to attend the academy with him, which led to the current situation.

“Hmm… Well -”

However, he also had some concerns. It was uncertain whether Eilly, who had only ever done housework, could pass the entrance exam.

If a candidate’s abilities were deemed too low or their talent too poor, they could be denied admission.

“I have to do well…”

That was why Eilly was so anxious.

“….”

And… although he felt bad for Eilly, he was also a little worried.

She had been learning swordsmanship from Martin recently, but according to him… Eilly had no talent for the sword.

And as for magic, she showed no particular aptitude there either. He would be impressed if she even met the minimum requirements for admission.

“Let’s do this!!!”

“… Yes!”

But what could he do? It was a hurdle she had to overcome to attend the academy.

“I’ll…! Definitely get good results!”

All he could do was cheer for her.

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Clatter –

The carriage stopped rattling, signaling their arrival.

“Wow… Is this the exam site? There are so many people -”

Eilly, who opened the door and looked outside first, marveled at the large crowd.

“Are all these people here for the test?”

Many prospective students crowded the entrance, hoping to enter the academy this year.

“I’m excited~”

“I’ll sweep through whatever test they throw at me!”

“It’s hard to see with all these people, being a dwarf.”

People of various races, specialties, and personalities gathered, eager to showcase their abilities.

“It’s crowded.”

“Everyone seems so determined…!”

This was a large outdoor examination area, separate from the main academy building – It had been a while since he had seen such a scene of passionate and excited youth.

“Let’s see~ Here it is. Magic is this way, swordsmanship is that way.”

After walking a bit into the examination area, they came to a fork in the road.

Usually, one would choose either magic or swordsmanship for the evaluation, but in some cases, it was possible to apply for both.

“Aha~ Then, we’ll have to part ways here.”

He had decided to take both the magic and swordsmanship tests, and since the magic test was conducted first, he had to temporarily separate from Eilly, who used a sword.

“Then! I’ll see you later, Master!”

She bowed and ran off in the opposite direction.

“Yes. I’ll be waiting for good news.”

He watched Eilly’s retreating figure until she disappeared into the crowd.

“… I should go too.”

After confirming that she was completely gone, he headed towards the examination area, silently wishing Eilly the best.

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“…Next is candidate number 11, Mr. Ruben Carter.”

“Yes!”

A solemn atmosphere filled the outdoor examination area.

““ …… ””

The initial boisterous atmosphere had disappeared, and everyone became quiet as the official evaluation began.

“Mr. Ruben Carter, is that correct?”

“Yes, can we start now?”

The candidates who hadn’t yet had their turn patiently waited, observing the performances of those before them.

“Yes. Please use your strongest magic to inflict damage on the magic stone pillar ahead.”

The evaluation method was simple. Use your most powerful magic to affect the processed ore placed a few meters ahead.

“Yes…!”

The pillar, made of magic stone, had special properties; it nullified magic power.

However, the stronger the nullified magic power, the more noticeable the change on the pillar, making it the most suitable object for the magic test.

“I beseech the Great Spirit of Water… Hear my prayer -”

Ruben, the candidate, began chanting a spell as the test began.

Whoosh –
Splash, splash –

As he chanted, a blue magic circle appeared beneath his feet, and the sound of crashing waves echoed.

“Hmm.”

Let’s see what kind of skills this year’s prospective students have.

“Pure crystal of water, flow fiercely and sweep away those who block my path – Water Cannon!”

Gush -!

As he finished the spell, a powerful stream of water erupted from his outstretched hand.

Swoosh –

A fierce and swift torrent of water, like a waterfall. The Water Cannon shot out vertically and collided head-on with the magic stone pillar.

Fizzle….

However, true to its nature as a magic-absorbing ore, the Water Cannon, initially powerful, gradually weakened and then disappeared without a trace.

“Huu….”

Ruben sighed deeply and glared at the magic stone that had swallowed his magic. The surface of the originally white ore had slightly darkened.

“……?”

Just slightly.

Honestly, he was a bit puzzled by Ruben’s underwhelming performance. He had put on a grand show as if he was about to unleash something amazing, but the result was disappointing.

““ Ooh…. ””

However…

“He’s talented.”

“Definitely…”

“He’s practically guaranteed admission.”

For some reason, the other candidates were impressed by his magic and began to murmur amongst themselves.

They all praised Ruben’s Water Cannon and looked at him with admiration and envy.

“……”

Was this really that impressive in this world?

The Water Cannon he had just demonstrated was far inferior to the one Arnold had cast for the first time five years ago.

“Ooh… Indeed -”

And yet they were reacting as if they had witnessed a heroic feat…

“Excellent magic.”

Contrary to his doubts, the examiner next to him also seemed slightly impressed by Ruben’s magic.

“I’m looking forward to seeing what you can do in the future, since you can already handle such a technique.”

“He passed.”

“Lucky him….”

“He might even be the top student.”

“Ugh… I’m jealous.”

Everyone who saw the Water Cannon showered Ruben with praise. Some students even looked at him with envy after his evaluation ended.

“Hmm….”

A top student candidate, huh…

Were they serious? The evaluation left him puzzled in many ways.

“Next is candidate number 12, Mr. Arnold Stenman.”

But before he could ponder further, it was his turn.

“… Yes.”

He answered briefly and moved to the designated spot.

“Stenman…? Don’t tell me, he’s the…”

“Shh…!”

“He’s entering this year….”

“He has scary eyes….”

As he stood next to the examiner, he felt the eyes of the crowd on him, as if he were on stage. At the same time, various whispers filled the air, and the atmosphere wasn’t exactly positive.

“…….”

They weren’t words of praise, so he tried to ignore them…

“Whenever you’re ready, please demonstrate your strongest magic.”

He focused on the examiner’s words, tuning out the other candidates. Honestly, he hesitated for a moment after the examiner’s signal.

Which magic should he demonstrate? Various spells flashed through his mind, fueling his anticipation.

“… Alright.”

Since it was an entrance exam, he should refrain from using anything too excessive.

“Lightning Spear -”

Crackle -!

As he chanted the spell, a blue lightning bolt materialized in the shape of a spear at his fingertips.

“Wait… He just cast magic without chanting?!”

“Is that… chantless magic?!”

“Is that even possible?!!”

What was with this exaggerated reaction…? He had simply cast a spell, and yet the other candidates gasped in astonishment. He had heard that chantless magic was rare, but… was it really that surprising?

“…?!!”

The examiner’s eyes widened, and he adjusted his glasses as if doubting what he was seeing.

“….”

He should focus on the evaluation.

“Haa -”

The Lightning Spear crackled with blue light, emitting a lion-like roar,

“Hmm!”

and—

—Whoosh —-

—as he threw it with all his might, it flew towards the target with lightning speed, drawing a bright and brilliant straight line like a ray of dawn.

Boom -!

It took less than an instant for the spear to reach the magic stone pillar.

Crackle… Sizzle – Crackle, crackle —

The magic, embedded precisely in the center of the pillar, sparked violently, as if about to explode.

“…….”

However, nothing happened immediately after.

The examination area became quiet.

“A-Amazing… That’s more than enough -”

The examiner, thinking the test was over, tried to conclude the evaluation, but—

Crackle… -!

—his magic was just getting started.

Boom — Crash —!!!!

Before he could finish his sentence, a blue lightning bolt struck from the sky.

It struck the magic stone pillar precisely, and the spear naturally assimilated into it, becoming a part of the lightning.

Crackle —-!!!

It was a bolt from the blue, in the truest sense of the word.

“U-Ugh!”

“I… I can’t see?!”

“What happened!! The… the wind…!”

The ordinary candidates struggled to keep their eyes open due to the blinding flash and the aftershock of the lightning strike.

Crackle… Buzz….

“What’s going on… Wha- -?!!”

After the deafening roar subsided, the examiner finally regained his sight, but he gasped in silent astonishment at the sight before him.

“Did I overdo it…?”

The magic stone pillar, which had stood firm as if indestructible, had vanished.

“N-No way…”

All that remained were scorch marks on the ground, a puddle of grayish liquid, and ashes emitting a burning smell, hinting at what had happened.

“I’ve never seen anything like this… not in my entire life… not even in the history of the academy…”

The examiner was speechless, staring at the spot where the magic stone pillar had been, as if it had never existed.

“….”

Oops….

Did he use too much power? He had tried to control his strength, worried that he might affect everyone present if he went all out….

“L-Let’s… proceed.”

“Yes…? Oh, uh… W-Well…”

It seemed he had caused a bit of a scene….

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Hi Lord Fourth here!
I’m new to translating so if you find some mistakes or inconsistencies let me know about it on the dedicated channel on discord.