Chapter 20
Alicia, one of the biggest obstacles in Bargan’s future. As she takes one step forward, I tie the chains one by one to prevent her from escaping, to prevent her from betraying me.
Six months after possessing her, I had invested a lot of time and resources in her.
It was not a waste. I could now wield the sharp sword that used to be aimed at me, now firmly in my grasp. Just that fact alone was worth it.
However good a sword may be, if its owner cannot match its prowess, it is no different from a twig.
I acknowledge Bargan’s talent and initial specs, but being outstanding in the current situation does not necessarily mean being able to overcome all challenges.
Therefore, apart from investing in Alicia, I focused most of my time on myself. Diligently and meticulously.
I won’t bother mentioning every detail. I don’t want to explain my growth process in a verbose manner when the results are clearly visible.
“I am Bargan, who is now the top freshman speaker.”
However, to briefly explain why I ended up giving this speech, outstanding individuals among those who met the admission criteria were selected, and I emerged as the top candidate during a separate exam.
That’s all there is to it.
“I won’t talk at length. Let’s get straight to the most important point.”
Since it’s an important word, I scanned the recipients once. They still don’t know what disgrace awaits them.
“You are maggots.”
My voice echoed in the auditorium, filling it completely and pushing back any uncomfortable noises. They each catch my gaze in turn.
Some furrow their brows, inserting fingers in their ears.
Others blink rapidly, wearing vacant expressions.
And yet some others glare, grinding their teeth as if on edge.
“Small, feeble, living in filth. Feeding on dirt, growing up to be adults who wrap and eat more filth.”
Truly, what a pitiful and contemptible existence.
*Zing—.*
Something transparent and purplish propels forward swiftly. Mana vibrations spreading out in an instant centered around me. Not too dense. When it becomes denser, it will be taken seriously by involved parties.
“Unable to think properly. Opening their filthy mouths without even opening their eyes, spewing only excrement like worms.”
Perhaps the only advantage is playing a role as food that somewhat aids the protagonists’ growth.
“That’s you.”
Naturally, among the freshmen are high-ranking nobles from other countries. Some may be itching to retort or challenge me, but no one shows a strong reaction. Just minor vibrations. Nothing more.
I sneer at their feeble attempts.
“Squirming like worms in a way that’s somewhat entertaining. It’s as if they’ve peeled the skin off a corpse from days ago to see its insides. If there’s any dissatisfaction, come forward. Isn’t it better to voice your complaints?”
Not everyone is immobilized. Those with exceptional skills, knowledge of tactics, and even the less inferior commoners are among them.
But they do not try to stop me. They know. They understand that when I speak of maggots, I am not referring to them. They sense it without my verbal mention.
Yet, what I say is out of goodwill and consideration for the clueless.
“You who cannot move at the moment. Yes, you. The term ‘maggots’ is directed at you. Do you understand now? You who cannot escape this lowly curse, you rigid and foolish beings.”
As I deliver a serious speech, emotions inadvertently seep in. With a natural smile on my lips, I observe the remnants of the foolish maggots.
Above the heads of those restricted in movement, a bright purplish crystal gleams as if advertising itself. It’s akin to NPCs in a game.
“Nobles in restraint. Such a beautiful shimmer. But, that word does not suit you.”
Only now do those who remain motionless grasp the current situation. They are either the well-off household’s offspring or individuals who had ample exposure to magic from a young age.
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There are even those who share mutual understanding. Foolish faces contort upon making eye contact. Another commonality binding them besides social class.
“You are inferior.”
The Academia is a place that births heroes who protect people from external threats. A body derived from the church, which can be deemed the most influential force.
In other words,
Wealth, connections, honor.
Just hearing these words makes one’s mouth dry. It’s all about obtaining these three things. That is what the Academia represents.
Isn’t it so fragrant?
Who wouldn’t want to enter?
Just looking at the simple competition ratio, passing through a gate boasting more than 1,000 to 1. Isn’t it something to be praised and celebrated? However.
“You should not be praised. Instead, you should feel ashamed of passing and reflect on your own laziness and wasted life, sticking your face in the trash can.”
Some of those listed in front of me knew my lineage and had already given up on opposing, but most of them tried to express their anger by twitching the muscles on their faces. The saying “even a worm wriggles when stepped on” suits them perfectly.
Oh, one guy’s reaction is particularly fierce. He clenches his teeth and glares, restraining a force that seems to be holding him back even from his own nature.
“…Even if you’re a Schugenhardt, isn’t this going too far! Do you know what you’re doing right now⎯⎯!”
A man speaks out in anger as soon as he can.
It’s a weak threat directed at me.
Even among the trash-like individuals, there seems to be a certain hierarchy. It’s amusing. Even if you don’t force attention on them, it’s a difference that can go unnoticed.
“Judging by the intricate embroidery on those gloves, it seems to be a Count of Langfitt from Othel. It even looks like a direct descendant.”
I revealed his status by combining the information obtained from his appearance. He’s someone who enjoys displaying his lineage. He must have quite a pride in his family.
“Langfitt is responsible for a considerable amount of magical material production within the Othel Kingdom. Therefore, whether broad or narrow, the extent of his influence cannot be underestimated.”
I continued spitting out information about his lineage.
At first, he didn’t understand my intentions and was awkward. But as soon as he realized, he poured out uncontrollable anger.
“Are you insulting me and my family right now?!”
He points at me with a flushed face, indicating his rising temper. It seems like he might even be about to burst out in anger.
“A pig squealing.”
“W-What…? What kind of nonsense are you spouting now…?”
He enrolled in Academia, carrying his family’s name on his back. He barely passed because of his family background. If Academia hadn’t lowered its admission standards to not miss out on those with potential for growth, he wouldn’t have made it through.
Saying he lacks talent is just an excuse.
Don’t even think about saying the household lacked support. You’re just a pig wrapped in high-quality fabric.
“…!!”
“From an early age, receiving gifted education, environments well-equipped for training magic power. Expensive staff, even artifacts. Even after receiving numerous benefits, if you haven’t grown beyond this level, it’s not something to be proud of your family for, but rather something to be ashamed of.”
Barely making it through Academia, the privileged offspring who barely passed. Their original purpose was not to become heroes and save people.
It was to use it as a place for socializing, to live well. Or they entered based on indoctrinated beliefs with no backbone.
Of course, there’s no intention to criticize living well. What needs to be considered is the desire for their purpose. They have neither sincerity nor a destination. They just follow implanted desires.
Among the categories I dislike, the foolish youngsters who make my teeth rattle when I think about them.
Their given conditions, tendencies, talents. Insects that don’t understand or even try to understand anything.
“Schugenhardt, you…⎯!! W-Wait…?”
Like livestock rebelling before slaughter, Langfitt’s pet pig screamed at the top of its lungs, then suddenly, it seemed to have calmed down as if receiving a sedative.
I placed that charm there because I didn’t want to hear such noises. It worked properly. No need to worry. It’s a curse used as a kind of healing magic to help relax the body and have a good night’s sleep.
The other student who was behind him now became the one supporting him as he collapsed.
Now, let’s turn off our attention to him and continue with the rest of the dialogue. There’s still more to say.
Phew⎯⎯.
I breathe out and refresh the surroundings.
“If you want to flaunt desire, at least have the ability. If you’re a noble, show the qualification for it. To enjoy the benefits of discrimination based on the class you love so much, you must prove that you are superior to those you ignore. It’s a natural order that you need to follow.”
Just because you’re at the top of the pyramid doesn’t mean you deserve respect. True beneficiaries of the class should have something worthy of those they are stepping on.
It’s so unsightly to see those without any qualifications just enjoying the benefits.
“It will be a lasting relationship from now on. After all, aren’t you all newly admitted students to Academia? If you have any complaints, feel free to express your anger towards me like that pig earlier. If it comes to a duel, I will personally take care of it.”
I release the constraints I had imposed on them with a snap of my fingers. The noise of those who were bound and those who were not mixes together, making the hall noisy.
However, those who are now free did not seem to want to confront me. Well, it’s not like they could.
They are the ones who value honor over valor and family lineage. Even if I had touched their nerves, they couldn’t disrespect me.
Why?
Because I am Shugenhardt.
Moreover, I have closely observed what happened to a man from Langfita. Given the clear gap between us, it would be foolish for them to act recklessly.
“Do not think you are special. Your current worth is no more than that of fodder.”
I shift my gaze and scan the whole area. Among the chaos, there is one person who stands out conspicuously.
While numerous spectators are loudly voicing their thoughts in the noisy hall, a man stands frozen like a rock.
Though not visibly tense, he seems stifled like someone under control. A red-haired female student nearby tries to shake him, but he doesn’t even flinch.
I have specifically cast a potent curse on that lad, so it’s only natural.
I casually overlook what caught my eye and use a spell imbued with magic to silence the commotion.
***
“What on earth is happening?”
After the unforgettable valedictorian speech, as the matriculation ceremony proceeds, Liam’s mind remains blank.
He tries to calm his body with a cool expression, but it refuses to follow his thoughts easily.
“Barugan recognizes my existence. Moreover, he delivered the speech that the protagonist should have given. The original scenario has changed. Why? And that’s not all.”
Let’s think this through.
He harshly criticized those who did not show outstanding achievements compared to the background in this speech, calling them maggots. While the aggressive line itself was absurd enough, what’s more important now is not the surface but the content.
He left curses and marks on the designated individuals and, when assessing the situation, it was something that only affected the nobles, excluding commoners like Emily.
However, he also placed a curse on himself, preventing any movement. Though no purple entity appeared, it can be affirmed.
A mistake? Could it be a mistake to curse himself unintentionally? No, definitely not. For a moment, he looked at himself in the end. He sneered at his immobilized state under the curse.
Yes.
It’s like he’s mocking me for knowing about my abilities and not handling them properly.
What does his action signify?
Is it related to the change in the story?
Numerous possibilities flash by. Carefully trying to avoid any butterfly effects after the possession, the worry about whether I can smoothly progress the story begins to creep in.
“…Liam, Liam! Are you listening, Liam?!”
Emily’s voice, ringing like a bell, suddenly becomes clear in Liam’s muddled mind and brings back his senses.
With dilated pupils, Liam gazes at Emily, realizing he has been lost in deep thought, and slowly regulates his breathing, showing a faint smile. But the urgency is not with Liam right now; it’s with Emily.
“Liam! What do we do! Look at this!”
“Why…? What’s going on…?”
Before Liam can finish his response, Emily, with a slightly trembling voice, shoves a fluttering piece of paper. It’s rare to see her this frantic.
“What were you doing lost in thought? The class and group formations are done! It’s a big deal, really…!”
The class and group formations, except for the top 10 students who can choose one team member each based on their entrance exam rankings, are determined by academic performance.
It is not something individuals can control; Liam is also considering the possibility of becoming part of a different team with Emily, or even a different half.
She must be aware of this fact, so why is she reacting like this?
“What?”
Liam’s gaze shifted towards what Emily was holding. For Liam, it was a reality that was hard to accept.
The fact that Emily could be in a different team. Naturally, he thought the probability of that was much higher. However…
“Emily… you…”
“Liam… how… I, I…”
—
Class 1 Assignment Results
Team 1
Shugenhardt Troa Bargan
Alicia
Serena
Emily
Toyren Troa Fin
….
—
“I… unexpectedly ended up in the same team as Bargan for this term…”