A Wild Man Has Entered the Academy

TLed by NolepGuy

Chapter 22

The sparring between Luna and Kara was arranged, but the class continued.

If the first class was Marlboro’s Basic Combat Theory, the second class was Godin’s Magic Theory.

Magic Theory was purely theoretical, so there was no practical training. I believe it is conducted separately in the afternoon.

“Magic can be summarized with this: its beginning is ‘characters,’ and its end is ‘words.’ The staff is merely a tool for condensing mana; our language is the very essence of magic itself.”

Godin explained it in a way that even someone like me, who knows nothing about magic, could easily understand.

Actual magic also does not deviate from the framework he described. It is not as complicated as the magic portrayed in other media.

As long as you write the characters correctly and pronounce them accurately, you can use magic with ease.

“To put it simply, characters are like firewood, and words are like flint. If either is lacking, it becomes difficult to manifest magic.”

“Professor, even though there is a common language, each country has its own language. Does that not matter?”

A student raised their hand and asked. It was quite a sharp question.

In this world, a common language exists, but each country has its own distinct language.

The common language is used merely for convenience, and its roots lie in the United Academy.

“That’s an excellent question. To answer directly, it doesn’t matter. Even if the characters and languages used are different, their roots are the same. While their power and form may vary, their essence remains identical. Calling fire by a different name doesn’t change the fact that it’s still fire, does it?”

“Understood. Then, does that mean illiterates cannot use magic?”

“Um······”

Godin made a peculiar sound and closed his mouth. Then, he subtly glanced at me.

It was hard to discern his gaze due to his squinting eyes, but he definitely stole a glance at me.

Since I can’t write or speak, I must be an excellent example in many ways.

‘Is he mocking me or what?’

In this world, illiterates are not treated well. The reason magic and language are interconnected is due to the convenience of the gods.

To better counter the demons, the gods integrated ‘language,’ the alpha and omega of civilization, into magic.

Therefore, efforts are made to remedy illiteracy at all costs, and mutes are particularly poorly regarded.

To the extent that people openly say mutes are cursed by the gods and should be avoided.

There are even cases where clerics are punished by being forcibly silenced.

‘If that’s the case, it explains why I lost my language.’

It might be because I insulted the gods too much. Of course, I’m not certain.

Living each day on edge, I acted purely on instinct.

“······It’s okay if there’s an issue with one of the two. There are methods to compensate for it.”

In the meantime, Godin, who had been gauging the atmosphere, cleared his throat and quietly explained.

As he said, with technological advancements, even illiterates can use magic as long as they can speak.

“However, if both are problematic, it is virtually impossible. Especially if you can write but cannot speak, the issue becomes severe.”

That’s the problem. Even if everything else is fine, if you can’t speak, there’s no solution.

That’s why I’m doing everything I can to regain my language.

In the future, I also need to acquire the Defensive Magic Godin will invent, but being illiterate makes it impossible.

“As you can see, human language holds infinite potential. It has been a cornerstone of civilization from its inception to the present.”

Since it was a topic that could be quite sensitive, Godin hurriedly changed the subject.

As mentioned earlier, the magic of this world is very unique. Magic manifests through the combination of characters and words.

However, it cannot be used recklessly. Aside from the most fundamental aspects, mages must create their own magic.

‘There was a certain satisfaction in discovering each one.’

For example, let’s say you want to manifest fire through magic.

Fire itself can be manifested even with the most basic magic.

But to change its form or use it to attack an opponent, a specific combination formula is required.

‘What was the combination formula for Hellfire again? I can’t remember.’

To explain it more simply, it’s like the AI Art that was once very popular.

You attach various modifiers to produce a decent result, and then you give it a name.

You have to put in the effort until those modifiers are learned, and later, magic manifests just by using language.

Since there are various languages in the world and usage differs from person to person, it is both limitless and complex.

‘Mages needed microphones, didn’t they?’

There was even a voice recognition function, so many users utilized microphones.

But if you stuttered or made even the slightest mistake out of nervousness, the game would end right there.

That said, without a microphone, the casting speed would slow down significantly, so it was practically mandatory to use one.

“Professor, then is it inefficient to use a language from another country?”

“Of course. Since the topic has come up, let me tell you something. There’s one misconception you all have. It’s the assumption that you can use your native language freely. Now, who here is from the West?”

At Godin’s question, about half the students raised their hands. Luna did as well.

Kara hesitated and remained still. The Tatars are a Newly Established Nation, so it’s unclear whether they belong to the East or the West.

“To those who raised their hands, let me ask you a question. Can you tell me words that are the same or similar in meaning to ‘see’?”

“Look?”

“Yes, like that. Next?”

At first, there was hesitation, but one by one, they began to speak. Luna mentioned the word ‘observe.’

Words with meanings identical or similar to ‘see’ were listed one after another, and Godin wrote them all on the board.

Since there were nobles among them, more words appeared than expected.

“Is that all?”

“··· ···”

“It seems so. I’m very satisfied. As you can see, there are this many words with the same or similar meanings to ‘see.’ But is this really all there is?”

After posing the question, Godin began writing words on the board.

Even though the students had mentioned various languages, he wrote them down without hesitation.

Glance, skim, glare, stare, gaze, look up, look down, and so on.

To make it easier for Easterners to understand, he translated each word into the Common Language. Remembering all of that is impressive.

“What do you think? There are so many, right? Language is something we don’t fully know, even our native tongue.”

“Oh······”

“The important point here is that while each word has a different nuance and meaning, they all fall under the framework of ‘see.’ Magic is the same. It centers on its essence, and you build upon it with flesh and bones. This is the beginning and end of magic.”

That explanation is crucial to understanding magic in this world. No magic deviates from that framework.

Many mages fail when attempting large-scale magic.

In most cases, it’s because they stray from that framework. It’s a case of the tail wagging the dog.

“It seems the class is coming to an end. We’ll stop here for today. Does anyone have questions?”

Swish-

As soon as question time began, Luna raised her hand.

When Godin saw Luna raise her hand, his face lit up, and he gestured toward her.

“Student Luna, what is your question?”

“From what you’ve said, it sounds like anyone can use magic.”

“Of course. Magic is something anyone can use.”

“Then, should even warriors learn at least basic magic?”

“Hmm······”

Godin showed signs of hesitation after hearing Luna’s question. It was a tricky issue to answer.

That topic had been a subject of heated debate among users.

Should non-mages learn magic, or should they steadfastly focus on one discipline?

No definitive conclusion had been reached, with the consensus being that it depends on one’s disposition.

While it’s said that focusing on one thing leads to mastery, that’s only true when you delve deeply into it.

Since Soul World was a game where any playstyle was valid as long as you cleared it.

While mastering a technique is important, applying it appropriately is even more crucial.

“I can’t give you a definitive answer on that. However, I think it’s good to have at least a basic understanding.”

“Thank you.”

“Good. Anyone else?”

Swish-

This time, Kara, who was sitting next to Luna, raised her hand.

Godin made a subtle expression when Kara raised her hand, but he soon pointed at her.

“The student next to her? What are you curious about?”

“I want to ask if magic can defy the laws set by the sky.”

“The sky······?”

Godin reacted hesitantly to Kara’s question. At the same time, the atmosphere in the lecture room instantly grew heavy.

That was only natural, as the topic she brought up could be considered somewhat sensitive.

“What did that woman just say? Defying the sky?”

“Wasn’t the Tatar Tribe supposed to believe in Lord Gulak?”

“What was she thinking, asking a question like that?”

As expected, the students began whispering among themselves. The lecture room was filled with murmurs.

Defying the sky, or ‘Defying Heaven,’ carries various implications.

For instance, in familial terms, it could mean a child harming their parents—a grave act of impiety. On a national scale, it could signify rebellion.

Applied to nature, it could mean overturning gravity or, further still, resurrecting the dead.

Though it is used in many contexts, its ultimate meaning is to defy ‘God,’ making it a rather dangerous statement.

“Ahem. Ahem.”

Godin hurriedly cleared his throat to dispel the tense atmosphere.

Then, with a faint smile, he began to answer.

“I’m not sure what your intention was in asking, but it is impossible with ‘human’ magic. Only one being, a ‘demon’ who has lost its color, can defy the sky.”

“A demon?”

“Yes. A demon, having lost its color, is inherently an aberrant existence. Thus, it can easily disregard the laws set by the sky.”

“Hmm······”

Kara frowned, seemingly dissatisfied with the answer.

However, Godin wasn’t finished. He regained his smile and continued his explanation.

“Of course, this is limited to magic. On very rare occasions, even among humans like us, there are those who break the laws set by the sky.”

“Who would that be?”

“The Sword Saint, Rod Sherman. You all know who that is, right?”

A name as familiar as it gets came from Godin’s lips.

Kara blinked when the Headmaster’s name was mentioned.

The displeased expression she had earlier was nowhere to be seen.

“They say the Headmaster’s swordsmanship is so precise it can even cut through space. And that is, in fact, true.”

It was when I climbed the Memorial Tower.

I had definitely reached the top, but Rod’s hand suddenly appeared from above and pulled me out.

When I came to my senses, I was at the base of the Memorial Tower. He had connected space to space with his sword.

“Such individuals are not like demons who inherently defy the sky. Instead, they fully comprehend the laws set by the sky and govern them with their own will.”

“Could the Headmaster possibly explain how he does it?”

Kara asked in a slightly excited tone, prompting Luna to glance at her with a peculiar expression.

However, contrary to Kara’s expectations, Godin shook his head and gave a negative response.

“No. I asked him, but he said he didn’t know. He simply called it intuition.”

“Tch······”

Kara clicked her tongue in disappointment.

As a warrior herself, she likely understood just how intricate that ‘intuition’ must be.

“One thing you should know is that even the Headmaster does not defy the sky. He merely comprehends its principles. Please refrain from acts of defiance against the sky whenever possible.”

With that, Godin moved on to the next question. While several questions were asked, none were particularly noteworthy.

During that time, Kara rested her chin on her hand, looking as though she was deep in thought. I could roughly guess what was on her mind.

‘She’s probably thinking about her biological father.’

Her father is set to observe her in the upcoming sparring match.

As I recall, the relationship between father and daughter is complicated and tangled.

A father unable to express his love and a child who takes it at face value.

“To manifest magic, you have to say its name, right? Doesn’t that give the opponent time to prepare?”

“According to those with practical combat experience, it doesn’t make much of a difference. Even if they know the name, they can’t predict what kind of magic is coming. Besides, most mages provide rear support, so it serves as a distraction.”

Furthermore, it can act as a feint. Some intentionally shout the name of a spell loudly and then do nothing.

In the first place, mages rarely take the front line. When they do, it’s usually for a self-destructive attack.

“That’s it for today’s class. Everyone, enjoy your lunch.”

Godin ended the class with a polite bow.

The students responded to his excellent lecture with thunderous applause.

Kara, who had been lost in thought, looked slightly startled when the applause erupted.

She clapped along awkwardly but still seemed dazed. That unintentional side of hers is rather endearing.

“Where are you planning to eat lunch?”

As Godin left, Elvin, who was seated behind us, asked. It was now lunchtime.

Luna looked at me in response to his question, then turned back to Elvin.

“We’ll eat at the buffet restaurant. The Headmaster mentioned that Sivar eats quite a lot.”

“A buffet restaurant······”

Elvin gave me a peculiar look. That’s where I first met him.

It’s only been a week, but who could have predicted things would turn out like this? It’s a strange, if not fateful, connection.

“That place should be suitable. Since you’re still in your adaptation period, they’ll treat you as a student. But did the Headmaster teach you table manners?”

“······Probably?”

He did teach me.

Just not to pick up food that’s fallen on the ground or eat with my hands.

Oh, and he also advised me to eat slowly to avoid choking if I ate too quickly.

Considering he himself came from a wilderness background, his table manners were far from refined.

‘It’s just a buffet anyway.’

To accommodate my enormous appetite, a buffet is the only option.

If I hunt a bear, I finish it in one meal. I rarely bother storing food.

“We’re going to eat, right?”

“Yes.”

“Can I join you?”

“Sure.”

Kara ended up joining us for the meal. It seems she’ll be sticking with Luna and me from now on.

“What about you, Elvin?”

“Sorry. I have something else to do. I need to discuss something with the professor.”

That’s probably not true. He just feels awkward being around Kara and me.

He’s trying his best to keep a neutral expression, but the way he keeps glancing at Kara and me makes it almost certain.

People don’t change easily. It seems the sparring match didn’t completely change his mind.

‘He’ll come around eventually.’

And so, with Elvin leaving, the three of us were left alone.

The top student, a barbarian, and a wildling. A disastrous combination in many ways.

For some reason, it feels like this group will stick together for a while.

“Kara, do you usually eat at buffets?”

“Not usually.”

“Do you like the food? I’m not very familiar with Tatar cuisine.”

“It’s similar to Eastern cuisine.”

The Tatars are a desert nation, resembling ancient Egypt.

As such, they prefer lighter flavors over greasy ones.

‘I also recall they have a fondness for sweets.’

From what I remember, they loved receiving candy.

While I was thinking about this, Kara looked at me. Her green, glowing eyes met mine.

She stared at me for a while before turning to Luna and asking,

“Do you know what he likes? Does he eat anything?”

“The Headmaster said he eats everything without being picky.”

“Would he get mad if I took his food midway?”

“··· ···”

Luna gave Kara a cold, exasperated look in response to her absurd question.

It’s probably because Kara had mentioned something about provoking me earlier. Still, it’s a childish thought.

“Um······ can we just pretend I didn’t say that? This is embarrassing.”

Kara scratched her head awkwardly, seemingly realizing how foolish she sounded. Her sheepishness is rather cute.

Luna let out a sigh filled with various meanings and then quietly spoke, as if giving up.

“······Go ahead and try. I’m curious to see what will happen too. For your information, there’s a proverb that says even a dog won’t be disturbed while eating.”

“Dogs bite, so they probably won’t be disturbed.”

“Then you definitely shouldn’t disturb them. Sivar would actually bite.”

“That’s a bit scary.”

Excuse me, what exactly do you take me for?

‘I wouldn’t bite with my mouth, but I might stab with a fork······’

That stings a little.