Ch.12I’m the Top Student? (2)

The continent’s finest educational institution, Gallimar Academy.

As winter passed and spring arrived, it was time for a new wind to blow through the academy.

Today was the entrance ceremony.

In the auditorium where the new batch of students had gathered, the ceremony was in full swing.

The eyes of the fresh-faced children were filled with excitement.

“Congratulations to everyone here on your admission.”

“I am Gaston Gallimar, the headmaster of this academy. Before I introduce myself further…”

The elderly voice echoed throughout the hall.

An old man with white hair stood on the platform. Though it was merely a ceremonial address, it carried a power that excited the students.

Most of the children listened attentively to the headmaster’s speech, immersed in anticipation.

Of course, not everyone was like that.

Some students were whispering among themselves.

As if discussing something interesting, they exchanged hushed conversations.

It was about a certain boy.

“Have you heard? About this year’s top student.”

The entrance exam rankings had been released a few days ago.

Due to the unexpected results, students were unable to hide their confusion.

“To think Her Highness the Princess lost the top spot… honestly, it’s hard to believe.”

“Do you know anything about this year’s top student?”

“Well, I heard he’s the son of a snake…”

“The Snakus family? They’re undeniably prestigious, but aren’t they unrelated to martial arts?”

“That’s what I find strange too.”

The First Imperial Princess was known as a once-in-a-generation genius.

Her reputation rivaled even that of established heroes.

It was difficult to accept that such a girl had only secured second place in a mere academy entrance exam.

Especially since the person who took first place was quite unexpected.

“The Snakus family’s heir?”

“He’s been shrouded in mystery. He’s never appeared in social circles…”

“Come to think of it, they haven’t interacted with other families at all in recent years.”

“What exactly is going on?”

“Oh, by the way, my friend said they saw the Snakus heir during the entrance exam.”

“Really? What was he like?”

“Well…”

The topic grew even hotter as eyewitness accounts spread.

Those who had observed him during the entrance exam knew that the boy’s performance hadn’t been that impressive.

“I heard he was subpar?”

“Subpar is too harsh… maybe just barely middle-tier?”

“What? That’s still far from being top-ranked.”

“How did he beat Her Highness the Princess? Could there have been an error in the rankings?”

“That seems likely, doesn’t it? I heard there was a similar mistake once before.”

“One thing I can say for certain is…”

Public opinion was turning negative.

“He’s all hype, this year’s top student.”

The students quietly swallowed their mockery.

A strangely rippling hostility.

Those who reach high positions naturally attract the hatred of others.

This is especially severe when someone unqualified sits on the throne.

“Ha, top student? Ridiculous.”

“My father has always said he doesn’t like the snake family. Said they’re too cunning to read.”

“How dare he steal Her Highness’s position.”

The snake boy found himself in such a situation.

Although it wasn’t his intention, he had ended up incurring the wrath of the students.

The children glared at the platform, each wearing their own colored glasses.

“That concludes my address as headmaster.”

“Next, we’ll have the freshman representative speech from this year’s top student, Judas.”

“Please come up now.”

Tap, tap.

A blonde boy ascended to the platform, accompanied by the sharp sound of his dress shoes.

Despite his somewhat casual gait, there was an air of dignity about him.

His first impression was surprisingly not bad.

“Hello everyone. I am Judas Snakus, tasked with giving the freshman representative speech.”

Narrowly opened eyes.

The boy greeted the students with a somewhat unsettling smile.

There was something ominous about his voice.

***

Life is full of unexpected accidents.

Plans that seemed to be going smoothly can suddenly be overturned.

Unfortunately, that’s exactly the situation I found myself in.

-I’m the top student?

The role of an unnoticeable extra.

My dream of quietly blending in with average grades had been spectacularly shattered.

To make matters worse, I was now giving the freshman representative speech.

A throbbing headache arose as I faced this difficult-to-accept reality.

What on earth is going on?

Based on my entrance exam performance, I should barely be middle-tier, let alone top-ranked.

No, more importantly, if there was going to be a representative speech, the academy should have informed me in advance…

-We sent a letter to the Snakus family.

-We even received confirmation… Could it be you weren’t informed?

I was speechless. Damn it.

The academy probably hadn’t anticipated this situation either.

That a talent who ranked first in the entrance exam would be treated as a non-entity by his own family.

‘Ah, Father.’

Even if you’re not interested in your son, there should be limits.

This is why Judas became twisted in the original story. I really feel like filing a child welfare complaint.

-Judas, it’s almost your turn to take the platform. Please prepare yourself.

The freshman representative speech I was suddenly tasked with.

It was maddening, but there was no paradise to escape to. I could only comply.

I stiffly moved forward.

As I approached the platform, I could feel the gazes converging on me.

“……”

Eyes now focused on me from everywhere.

From the original characters to the headmaster, faculty members, and all the other students—everyone was staring at me.

It was too overwhelming for an introvert like me, but…

What could I do? If I had to do it, I had to do it.

I couldn’t hypnotize the entire auditorium. Swallowing tears of frustration, I opened my mouth.

“Hello everyone. I am Judas Snakus, tasked with giving the freshman representative speech.”

Thankfully, I had the “Smiling Mask” trait.

At least I didn’t have to worry about stuttering or making mistakes.

As I finished that self-consolation and turned my eyes toward the students… I noticed something strange.

“”……”

“Hmm?”

The students were unusually quiet.

An eerie silence hung in the air. I tilted my head in confusion, a question mark floating above it.

“Why is everyone acting like this?”

What’s going on? Why are they so well-behaved?

Aren’t young people usually chatty wherever they go?

Could they be nervous because it’s the entrance ceremony?

As that thought occurred to me, I relaxed a bit.

I guess kids will be kids. They have their innocent sides.

“Hehe… Seeing how stiff everyone is, you must be nervous about the entrance ceremony.”

=How cute, how adorable.

I had no intention of standing out in my speech.

I’d just say nice things.

A typical protagonist might use this moment to declare war on the entire student body, but I didn’t have that kind of nerve.

I had no plans to remain in the top position for long.

I just wanted to make an impression on the original characters and then return the position to its rightful owner.

Being top-ranked meant better treatment but also more hassle.

I wasn’t the type to covet unnecessary fame.

‘I just want to see the ending.’

There’s no meaning in me forcibly clearing this.

I’m just one player who loves the game.

I simply wanted to watch our protagonists overcome their limits and reach the end of the world.

Being an extra who quietly helps from the shadows was enough for me.

Yes, I am a shadow.

I aspire to be an unnoticeable supporting character.

Reaffirming my goal, I continued speaking with a gentle smile.

“I’m sure you’ve all heard about me. I’ve been honored with the top position beyond my qualifications.”

=I don’t know why I’m top-ranked either, but I’m asking for your support.

“I was worried it might be boring… but well, well, expectations never fail.”

=I was worried, but… as expected, everyone seems excellent, which is a relief.

“So this is the continent’s finest academy.”

=So this is the continent’s finest academy. A genuine expression of admiration.

“I’m truly looking forward to our time ahead.”

=I really am looking forward to it.

As I offered these pleasant remarks, I heard stirring sounds from among the students.

They must be impressed by the top student’s attitude.

Oh brother. Yes, that’s right, it’s true.

Brother has received K-etiquette education and is always humble.

“I look forward to it.”

=I look forward to it.

“My position is always open, so those who are interested may challenge it. I’ll always accept.”

=My position (as a friend) is always open, so those who want to be friends are always welcome.

“I hope you all will satisfy me.”

=I hope we can all become good friends.

A warm speech about getting along.

It was like a scene straight out of a youth slice-of-life story.

“That should be enough.”

The assigned speech was finally coming to an end.

I wrapped up what I was saying.

Just before stepping down from the platform, I left one last remark that had occurred to me.

“Oh, right. I’m not a villain. Please don’t hate me.”

=Despite my narrow eyes, I’m not a bad person.

A satisfying moment.

This should have left a sufficiently positive impression on the students.

I exited the platform with a benevolent smile.

‘Perfect.’

There had been some hurdles, but I overcame them splendidly.

With this, I’ve definitely made my mark.

Even if I step down from the top position later, I might at least be evaluated as “That guy. His skills weren’t great, but he had a good personality.”

I returned to my seat, my happiness circuits spinning.

***

[Hello everyone. I am Judas Snakus, tasked with giving the freshman representative speech.]

The moment the boy’s first words echoed through the hall, all the students in the auditorium froze.

As if by agreement, they closed their mouths.

They didn’t know why. It was pure instinct.

It felt as if something terrible would happen if they didn’t shut up right now.

“”……”

Silence flowed coldly.

An inexplicable sense of alienation licked the napes of their necks.

Even as this unpleasant sensation colored their entire bodies, the children couldn’t move a finger.

What was this ominous feeling?

Clearly, no mana, energy, or killing intent could be felt, yet this foreboding intuition persisted.

Creeeeak-

Even a simple sound of boards creaking made them feel like their throats would be cut.

Most students were sweating cold sweat, and some were breathing roughly as if they couldn’t breathe.

[Hmm? Why is everyone acting like this?]

Trembling gazes were fixed on the platform.

Tension rippled across the thin surface.

The goosebumps that stood ready to spill seemed to capture the students’ fear perfectly.

It was a sensation difficult to explain.

The boy’s power was clearly inadequate.

His mana was below average, and even that was faint in density. Nor was his body trained in martial arts.

All visible information indicated the boy was weak. And yet…

‘Why am I reacting like this?’

‘He looks frail… but I can’t let my guard down.’

‘My limbs feel frozen.’

‘It’s not magic, illusion, or spirit. Then what is this terrible sense of alienation…?’

‘Damn. For a hyped-up top student…!’

For some reason, their senses were ringing alarm bells.

There was no basis for it.

Reason declared they could crush him immediately, but instinct warned the opposite.

Beware of that boy.

Most students were visibly confused.

Only a few top-tier students maintained a detached attitude, watching the platform with interested eyes.

Was the narrow-eyed boy aware of this atmosphere?

He began his speech with a sly smile.

[Hehe… Seeing how stiff everyone is, you must be nervous about the entrance ceremony.]

His opening was a blatant provocation.

It was a malicious greeting that mocked the students who had been frozen until just now.

“Such an insolent…!”

“Who does he think he is when a single punch could send him flying…!”

Some students widened their eyes at this. Regardless, the boy continued.

[I’m sure you’ve all heard about me. I’ve been honored with the top position beyond my qualifications.]

His words had a strange edge to them.

The boy seemed to be mocking them, as if he knew all the gossip circulating about him among the students.

[I was worried it might be boring… but well, well, expectations never fail.]

[So this is the continent’s finest academy.]

[I’m truly looking forward to our time ahead.]

Narrow eyes carefully scanning the students.

It was a meaningful moment.

It felt as if he was treating the students like insignificant creatures. Contempt lingered on the boy’s tongue.

[I look forward to it.]

[My position is always open, so those who are interested may challenge it. I’ll always accept.]

[I hope you all will satisfy me.]

Furthermore, the boy displayed an arrogant attitude.

If you have complaints about the top position, don’t mutter behind my back—come forward. I’ll face you directly.

His words were calm but carried intimidation.

It melded with the boy, creating an unsettling atmosphere.

[That should be enough.]

The allotted time had come to an end.

The boy roughly concluded his speech.

With an unpleasant eye-smile, just before stepping down from the platform, he left one final remark.

[Oh, right.]

[I’m not a villain. Please don’t hate me.]

Echoes lingered in the quiet auditorium.

The students could only wipe the cold sweat from their foreheads and watch his retreating figure.

***

“Fascinating.”

“……”

The white-haired old man murmured in admiration.

Selena snapped back to attention at his voice.

Perhaps due to the alcohol, her consciousness wasn’t fully clear, but she struggled to focus her eyes. Her purple hair hung long.

The call came again.

“Selena.”

“Yes, Headmaster.”

This time she answered without missing it.

Sitting beside her was Selena’s master and the headmaster of Gallimar Academy, Gaston Gallimar.

He was expressing interest in a certain boy.

“I’ve spotted an interesting child.”

“Thank you.”

“Although I don’t sense great power from him, his charisma that overwhelms the crowd…”

The old man’s lips curved into an arc.

Though not material for the top position, he was a flower that could bloom beautifully if polished.

“It’s a pity. The fact that such a promising child is suffering because of your stubbornness.”

“……”

“Do you know? Because of the crown you forcibly placed on him, that child is earning the hatred of many students.”

“…I know.”

“If you know, that makes it all the more vexing.”

The headmaster lightly tapped Selena’s head.

As she silently accepted his touch, the old man quietly posed a question to his disciple.

It was a concerned inquiry.

“I won’t help you this time. Are you confident?”

“What do you mean…?”

“The class placement test.”

The faculty meeting from a few days ago.

There had been a condition imposed as punishment on Selena for arbitrarily deciding the top student.

“Do you really believe that child can maintain the top position?”

It was a question, but not really a question.

The headmaster had already concluded that the boy’s ranking would plummet in the class placement test, and other faculty members felt the same.

Some were even snickering among themselves.

Ignoring these childish reactions, Selena spoke lightly.

“Who knows.”

Red eyes soaked in indifferent light.

Selena recalled.

The pressure she had felt from the boy during the entrance exam, and the unknown fear that had weighed her down.

“We’ll find out soon enough.”

The woman answered plainly and turned her head.