Madman in a Fantasy World – Chapter 17

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Translated By Arcane Translations
Translator: Vine
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After lunch, they headed to the academy.

“So this is Gemini Academy…”

“It’s… not that impressive.”

Having seen it all unfold in the novel, Luke wasn’t impressed. He knew what kind of battlefield this academy would become.

“Let’s go. I want to finish this today so we can leave tomorrow.”

“Okay.”

They walked through the front gate. There were no guards, as expected.

“Wow…”

“What is it?”

“I just… want to get out of here.”

He felt like a monster invasion or a demon attack was imminent.

It wouldn’t be surprising if it happened right now.

Boom!

Speak of the devil.

“That’s strange. There shouldn’t be any events happening yet.”

“…Events?”

“Yeah, events. Let’s go see what’s happening.”

It was only his second day in this world. The novel’s protagonist might have been unlucky, but he shouldn’t be facing any major crises yet.

Even with his overpowered growth rate, he should still be around the same level as the original Luke.

If there was an event happening now… the protagonist was probably screwed.

He was curious to see what would happen if the protagonist died, since he was supposed to defeat the Demon King and everything.

I wonder if anyone will kill him.

He didn’t want to kill the protagonist himself.

They followed the sound of the commotion to a large, open area. It was the training grounds.

A crowd of students had gathered to watch a duel between…

“Oh!”

…Riche Winchester, with her distinctive two-toned hair, and Tia Roseberry, with her vibrant yellow bob and striking blue eyes.

It was his first time seeing the main heroines in person. They were even more stunning than their illustrations.

He couldn’t take his eyes off them.

Oblivious to the onlookers, Riche and Tia exchanged spells. Fire met water, creating a cloud of steam that dispersed with the force of the impact.

“This is why it’s called an elite academy.”

Luna said, watching the duel.

“Well, it’s a duel between the top two students.”

The students at the academy were considered geniuses back in their hometowns.

Of course, some of them, like the bully from earlier, were… less than stellar.

But the top two students were in a league of their own.

The other students watched in awe.

This isn’t an unknown event.

The novel had described this duel from Riche’s perspective.

The novel had described the impact of the spells as a “boom,” but he had actually felt the ground shake.

Being here in person cleared up any confusion.

Even though they were the top two students, Riche wasn’t using her full power yet, so the duel was somewhat meaningless.

“I’ve seen enough. Let’s go.”

“Already? Don’t you want to watch more?”

“What’s the point? I can’t even use magic.”

What else was there to see besides their pretty faces?

He already knew what kind of magic they used.

Where’s the protagonist?

He should be training somewhere nearby.

Whatever. It’s none of my business.

They left the training grounds and headed to the library, following the map.

Students glanced at Luna as they passed, probably because she was a beastfolk, not because she was an outsider.

Some nobles brought servants to show off, so the students were probably more curious than wary.

The academy library was massive, housing books on various subjects.

It was a separate building from the main academy.

They found the section on monsters and picked a random book, sitting down at a table.

“Alright, let’s find some information.”

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Boom!

Fire and water collided, creating a cloud of steam.

Sharp icicles shot out from the steam.

Riche easily deflected them with a wave of fire.

“As expected, you’re amazing.”

Tia Roseberry said. The second-ranked student at Gemini Academy, and for some reason, someone who felt inferior to Riche.

“Thanks. You’re doing great too, Tia. Your magic is much cleaner than before.”

Riche didn’t have much time for duels, but she needed to get stronger to achieve her goals.

Tia was the only one at the academy who could give her a decent challenge, so they occasionally sparred.

Tia usually sought her out anyway.

“Saying that without even breaking a sweat… I don’t appreciate your condescension.”

To the onlookers, the duel seemed like a draw, but it wasn’t.

Neither of them was injured, but Tia was panting, while Riche was as fresh as ever.

“Good work today.”

“Ugh… I’ll beat you next time.”

“I’m looking forward to it.”

Riche turned and left. Training was important, but there was something more important to her.

Her days began and ended at the library.

Before classes, during lunch break, and after classes, until bedtime.

She walked past the students who had been watching the duel and headed straight for the library.

It looked the same as always. A few students reading, the librarian at the entrance. But there was something different today.

…?

The boy who had caused such a commotion two days ago was asleep at a table, his face buried in a book.

She had heard he had dropped out. Why was he here?

And across from him, a beastfolk woman was reading a stack of books.

I shouldn’t be distracted.

She didn’t care.

She had more important things to do.

I need to find more information on the Hex.

To break free from this terrible curse, she needed to learn more about demons.

The information within her family wasn’t enough. She had searched the entire library for any mention of demons, but they were rare, not like monsters that roamed in packs. Information was scarce.

“Luke, wake up. I found it.”

“Ugh… five more minutes…”

A voice nearby interrupted her reading.

It was the only voice in the otherwise quiet library, so she couldn’t help but overhear.

“It says they inhabit the… uneven plains… a short distance from the capital.”

“Uneven plains? What a stupid name.”

“…It’s ‘uneven,’ not ‘un-even.’”

“Same difference.”

The sound of a chair scraping against the floor.

“Ugh… books are the best sleeping pills. So, you found it? Let’s go.”

“Okay.”

Luke’s footsteps approached.

Riche was sitting between him and the exit.

He walked past her, then…

“There’s nothing about the Hex at the academy. Tough luck.”

“…!”

Riche’s eyes widened.

“Oops, was I not supposed to say that? Gotta run!”

Luke dashed out of the library before she could react.

“Wait!”

She chased after him, but he was gone.

How did he know?

The curse on the Winchester family was placed by a demon long ago.

Only she and her close relatives knew about it. No one else should.

Had she misheard him?

No… he definitely said “Hex.”

He knew something.

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“Damn it, I shouldn’t have said that.”

He had spoken without thinking, still half-asleep.

He had just spoiled a major plot point.

Will it change anything?

Whatever. The protagonist would figure it out.

It was his problem now.

He was about to leave the academy when…

“You! You’re the one!”

“?”

He turned towards the voice.

A scrawny guy was pointing at him.

Who is this?

Did Luna know him?

“Luna, do you know him?”

“…I don’t know anyone at the academy.”

Then who was this guy, and why was he pointing at him?

“You… you’re mocking me?!”

“Who are you?”

“You… you stole my sword, and now you’re pretending you don’t know me?!”

…Oh.

It was the lackey from before. He had forgotten about him.

“You stole his sword…?” Luna asked.

“What are you talking about? I won it fair and square.”

The lackey had a new sword at his hip.

…I need a new sword. I wonder if I can get that one.

Buying a new sword was a waste of money, but he couldn’t just steal it.

“You bastard! You gave me a defective product!”

“…?”

“I thought it was a good sword because it looked fancy, but it broke after just two days!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!”

“What the hell are you talking about?!”

“Shut up! Consumers have the right to be compensated for defective products!”

Therefore, this wasn’t stealing.

It was compensation.

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