Episode 14: Villain and Protagonist.
Yeah, this guy is definitely the protagonist.
But the way he talks and his personality don’t match at all with the loser I know. He looks more like a cheap imitation.
Still, there’s a red gemstone necklace around Yuno’s neck. That should be the protagonist’s mother’s keepsake.
When all the pieces fit together like this, I have no choice but to acknowledge it.
“Why did I end up giving a ride to the protagonist?”
“Huh? Did you say something just now?”
He’s got a hearing problem too, it seems. It’s confirmed.
But really, he’s nothing like the protagonist I know, who typically talks like a nice guy, using phrases like “Isn’t it?” or “Is that so?” His way of speaking should be similar even when dealing with nobles. The Yuno in front of me is completely different.
…I should’ve just let him be late!
I genuinely think that. Protagonists are nothing but trouble, dragging unsuspecting regular folks into their crazy adventures. For those who just want to live a peaceful life, they’re a pain in the neck.
But, like Celestia’s budding appraisal skill, there’s a real possibility of a different development from the anime.
“Yuno.”
“What is it?”
“Which village are you from?”
“Well, I’m from Tetto Village, an old village with mostly elderly folks.”
…It’s a different village from the anime.
In the anime, the protagonist’s village is Shine Village. What a dud.
…Anyway, it’s confirmed.
A person’s character is shaped by their surroundings. Growing up in a ruthless environment exposes you to more evil influences, and evil becomes deeply rooted in your identity.
If you’re loved by your parents and raised in a good environment, you can love others.
It’s not a clear-cut distinction. A good or bad environment is also subjective, so being loved by your parents doesn’t necessarily mean a good environment.
But statistically speaking, there’s room for consideration.
In the Shine Village from the original anime, there were many young people besides the protagonist, and the environment was set up for them to compare and be praised by others.
There were plenty of yes-men and yes-women for the “I’m special” attitude to flourish.
In such a place, it’s only natural to get carried away and think you’re something special. And sadly, the protagonist did have the talents and abilities to back it up, which made it impossible to correct him.
“But Yuno here says he grew up in a place called Tetto Village, which I’ve never heard of. I don’t know why he grew up there, but if, as he says, there are only old people, then it’s safe to say there weren’t any yes-men there.”
…Wait, is this guy also a reincarnator?
No, if he were a reincarnator, he’d probably make a disgusted face just by looking at me. Never mind.
“Tetto Village, huh. You’re probably enrolling through the early admission program, too?”
“Yes. Somehow, while I was working in the fields, the principal descended from above and forced me to sign a contract. That was yesterday.”
“Yesterday…? That’s absurd… Anyway, you must have had a rough time. Also, you don’t need to use honorifics. We’re both students at the Royal Academy now.”
If they suddenly tell you something like that, it’s only natural to be late.
Getting a carriage ready in just a day is impossible, and there are various preparations to be made. The principal who allows such selfishness is Nova.
Someday, I’ll make it clear.
“Sure… Is that so? Well, I wonder if someone would kill me for speaking casually to a noble like you.”
“I’m saying it’s fine, so there’s no need to be swayed by the noise around us.”
“Huh! Cool!”
“…”
Using honorifics with the protagonist makes me feel itchy, but he’s not getting carried away… It’s just that this guy is naturally outgoing. He’s a handful.
Does he start trolling as soon as he’s forgiven? Does he have thick skin or something?
“Well, whatever. Did you learn magic and swordsmanship on your own?”
“Well, the village chief used to be a court magician or something in the past, so he taught me. I’m never going to forgive that spartan old man. Oh, but I just started with the sword. I’ve been mostly using magic to enhance my physical abilities and punch things.”
The village chief was a court magician, huh… So the protagonist’s plot armor is still working. I think I heard something about a brute-force approach when it comes to swords, but well, if you’re a speed type, it’s actually faster to punch with enhanced physical abilities.
“The Royal Academy requires excellence in both swordsmanship and magic. If you don’t want to repeat a year, you should learn swordsmanship properly.”
“Aw, seriously…? Isn’t it better to enhance your physical abilities with magic and punch the insides all mushy instead of slashing with a sword?”
“That’s risky! …Well, from an efficiency perspective, you might be right, but one of the graduation requirements is to defeat multiple mid-level magical beasts with a sword.”
“I see. Well, if that’s the case, I guess there’s no choice.”
Complete multiple quests during your time at the school. Then you’ll earn credits.
In a nutshell, that’s how the Royal Academy works.
It’s different from military schools or noble academies. Instead of focusing on a specialized field, you study a wide range of subjects in a high-quality environment.
And it’s all to promote the self-sufficiency of academy students.
Actually, military academies and noble schools force you into employment as soon as you graduate. But at the Royal Academy, there are various options available.
You can test your skills by becoming an adventurer. You can become a court mage through connections and ability. Or you can join a knight order, hone your swordsmanship, and raise your own position and honor.
As I continued to question Yuno, he interrupted me, his eyes shining with excitement.
“Hey, hey! Forget about my story for now. How about you, my noble friend?”
“Stop calling me ‘noble’… I’m Xenon Lestinata.”
“Oh, I see. So, Xenon! How did the principal scout you?”
Under the pressure of Yuno’s enthusiasm, I answered briefly with a bitter expression.
“I challenged the principal to a fight and got burned to a crisp. That’s how I got scouted.”
Yuno burst into laughter immediately.
“Uhyahaha!!! What’s that?! Xenon, are you an idiot? She’s the strongest in the world, you know? Even I got scared the moment I saw her internal magical power! Hahaha! That’s hilarious!”
“There’s no need to laugh so much. It’s just that the witch acknowledged my determination. But I still had to prove my strength… Well, I got burned to a crisp along with my guards.”
Yuno continued to laugh uncontrollably, but he looked straight into my eyes.
“Hey, let’s be friends, okay?”
Huh…
“Why are you making that face!? You’re no fun!”
He figured it out… No, if someone like the protagonist asks me to be friends, it’s scary, isn’t it? All the protagonist’s bonuses and drawbacks might come my way…
…I can’t say that, though. This protagonist is different from the ones in anime… No, I’m curious about what kind of life Yuno will lead in this story.
If he ends up as a scumbag like in the original… Well, I’ll leave that for later.
“Just kidding. Count on me, Yuno.”
“Alright! Count on me too, Zenon!”
_________
Author Note:
Yuno-kun may have a fragile appearance with blonde hair and blue eyes, but he fights with a tough attitude and strong fists, saying things like ‘I got this.’
By the way, he has the abilities:
– Magic infusion into fists (very challenging)
– Internal organ manipulation (very challenging)
– Physical ability enhancement magic (low enhancement rate)
All of these abilities can be performed by the protagonist of the current story, Xenon. Surprisingly, Yuno can also do them.
These two are quite the formidable pair, aren’t they?
Friendship!
Though you challenged her after she trespassed.