Chapter Index

    Mesugaki Tank Enters the Academy –
    293

    Mesugaki Tank Enters the Academy –
    293

    After spending some time with Arthur, I found out that he hasn’t
    been slacking off at all.

    Not only that, he’s actually growing faster than I anticipated.

    Already using aura before even starting his second year?

    And it’s not just a vague understanding—he’s skilled enough to
    actually wield it in real combat!

    Even though I taught him the quickest path to growth, isn’t this a
    bit fast?

    I knew Arthur was a genius, but I never imagined his talent would be
    this outstanding.

    If my divine power hadn’t advanced recently, I might have ended up
    on the losing side this time.

    ‘You’ve worked hard, Your Highness.’

    “Who would’ve thought that our Pitiable Prince would become this
    strong? You must’ve worked terribly hard. Still, that doesn’t
    change the fact that you’re a sloppy weakling who lost to a
    girl two heads shorter than you.”

    Arthur lay sprawled on the ground, silent in response to my words.

    No reaction. He looked like an actual corpse. I wondered if I’d hit
    him a bit too hard. Just then, Frey trotted over and patted him
    gently on the back.

    “The third prince did nothing wrong. It’s just that Lucy is too
    strong.”

    “Lady Kent speaks the truth, Your Highness. The level you’ve
    achieved is far beyond what is typical for your age.”

    “Enough with the empty comfort. Just leave me be. It’ll take time
    for my pride to heal.”

    Ah, so he’s just shaken up by the fact that he gave it his all and
    still got defeated.

    Good to know. I was worried for a moment that I’d gone overboard
    and actually turned him into the Pitiable Princess.

    ‘They’re right…’

    “Yes, Pitiful Prince, you were indeed quite strong—for a sloppy
    weakling. It was truly terrifying to see you thrashing around, so
    desperate to scar the face of a cute girl. So grotesque, I almost
    screamed.”

    “…Lucy Allen, it may sound odd for a loser to say this, but…could
    you please just be quiet?”

    At the sound of Arthur’s trembling voice, I quickly shut my mouth.
    I didn’t want to add an ‘I’m sorry’ and risk prompting some
    horrifying comeback.

    Hmm. Maybe it’s best I leave now before things get worse.

    Since I can tell Arthur hasn’t been half-hearted with his
    training—actually, he’s worked harder than I instructed—I might
    as well make my escape.

    But why did he run as soon as he saw me the other day, if he has
    nothing to hide? I really can’t figure that out.

    ‘It really is!’

    ‘You’re suggesting that Arthur ran because he was startled by my
    new look? That’s ridiculous! The third prince isn’t some lovesick
    perv.’

    I mean, it’s not logical to get weird feelings over a little kid
    like me.

    Arthur, as I know him, is a normal person with a decent way of
    thinking, not like those creeps.

    ‘Oh! Could it be that perverts only see other perverts? I trusted
    you, Grandpa!’

    Half-listening to Grandpa’s rant, I tried to figure out why Arthur
    ran, but no answer came.

    He may have something to hide, but if he seemed fine today, it can’t
    be anything serious. I’ll let it go for now.

    Maybe it’s all the teasing I’ve piled on him. Grandpa’s
    scolding continued all the way to the dungeon studies professor’s
    office.

    It’s true I’ve been going a bit overboard lately—I’ll admit
    that.

    But I can’t help it when his reactions are so entertaining!

    Watching someone usually so composed raise their voice in frustration
    always brings a smile to my face.

    If he didn’t want to be teased, he shouldn’t be so fun to rile
    up!

    I think I might understand why the old Lucy used to tease people so
    much…

    No, no. This isn’t the same. She didn’t just tease; she actively
    bullied and tormented people.

    I definitely don’t want to start thinking like the old Lucy.

    ‘I do respect you, Grandpa! I always think you’re amazing!’

    ‘Of course! I saw you work miracles against dark gods! I still
    remember it vividly—the way the sun rose in that dark cave!’

    ‘Really!? You’re incredible, Grandpa! The legendary paladin,
    Ruel, in action!’

    Oh, Grandpa. You say that, but I can hear the softness in your voice.

    You love it when your mischievous grandchild actually praises you,
    don’t you?

    ‘It’s flattery, sure, but it’s sincere!’

    ‘I’m saying the respect behind it is real!’

    Having succeeded in calming Grandpa down, I decided I’d try to
    maintain a balance between teasing and compliments from now on. With
    that, I walked into the dungeon studies professor’s office.

    “Lady Allen.”

    The professor had dark circles under her eyes—probably hadn’t
    been sleeping much lately.

    “I’ve been expecting you. Professor Karl explained things,
    correct?”

    ‘Yes, he…’

    “That this sloppy excuse of a professor had to admit her dim
    brain can’t evaluate me?”

    My response, once translated by the [Mesugaki] Skill, made her grit
    her teeth, but I didn’t mind.

    I’d long since given up on earning her favor.

    “So…you’ve come to a decision?”

    ‘Yes, I’ll make the dungeon.’

    “That’s right. This fool of a professor is being given a chance
    to see what a real dungeon should look like. Really, I’m just so
    kind.”

    Each time I spoke, her face grew redder.

    Is she going to burst a blood vessel?

    If I’m not careful, ‘Lucy Allen: Known to Cause Fatal Blood
    Pressure Spikes’ will get added to my reputation.

    “…Assistant.”

    “Yes, Professor!”

    “Please explain the details.”

    The poor assistant, sandwiched between us, nervously wiped her brow
    and approached me, bowing deeply.

    “L-Lady Allen! Would you grant this worthless servant the honor of
    explaining things for you?”

    Her overly polite attitude was a bit much, but I managed not to look
    too fazed.

    ‘…Uh, okay, sure.’

    “Heh. You know your place. Go ahead. Out with it.”

    This wasn’t my first rodeo with this kind of interaction.

    After that whole fiasco in the commoners’ dormitory, I’d told
    Luca to discreetly take care of the instigators.

    They were the kind who’d only cause more trouble if left alone.

    Luca handled it well. Maybe too well.

    The next day, the instigators were gone without a trace.

    Now there’s a ridiculous rumor around the academy that if you anger
    Lucy Allen, you’ll simply disappear!

    In truth, we just quietly expelled the troublemakers, but sensational
    rumors spread faster.

    Ever since then, I’ve been something of a nightmare to the
    commoners and even the faculty.

    Ugh. Thinking about it ticks me off all over again.

    Sure, it’s nice not to have people picking fights with me, but when
    people throw themselves to the ground and beg the second they see me?
    That’s a bit much!

    Why do I have to be treated like a bully when I’ve done nothing?

    Just because I’ve stopped caring about my reputation doesn’t mean
    I deserve this!

    “A-Am I explaining poorly, Lady Allen?”

    At the assistant’s fearful voice, I sighed. She looked ready to
    fall to her knees in desperation.

    ‘You weren’t clear enough. Could you explain again?’

    “Can you not speak clearly? It’s hard to understand anything
    you’re saying. Come on, try explaining properly this time.”

    “Y-yes, ma’am! I’ll d-do my best—hic!”

    “Alright, that’s enough. Assistant, just go back to your work.
    I’ll explain it myself.”

    Unable to stand the assistant on the verge of tears, the professor
    stepped in, and the assistant’s face lit up instantly.

    Seriously, just how much has my reputation tanked around here?!

    What did I ever do to make them this terrified? I’ve done nothing
    wrong!

    This is so unfair! I’ve stopped the resurrection of dark gods
    twice, so why am I being treated this way?

    Maybe I’d feel less wronged if I actually had done something to
    deserve this…

    While I was grumbling, the dungeon studies professor began speaking.

    “First, Lady Allen, remember that the final exam dungeon is
    supposed to test the material taught in class. The content of the
    dungeon should be limited to what’s been covered in the syllabus. I
    trust you were informed of this?”

    ‘Was I?’

    “Are you sure your memory isn’t mistaken?”

    “…Yes, I’m certain it was explained. You don’t remember?”

    Oh, I see.

    My apologies, Professor.

    It’s just that I’m always asleep in dungeon studies.

    How could I know what you’re saying when it’s all stuff I already
    know? What’s the point in listening?

    When I nodded confidently, the professor’s mouth twitched.

    “Allow me to explain once more. The exam covers gimmick
    dungeons—dungeons that can only be cleared with careful thought,
    based on various techniques covered in class.”

    Fighting to keep her voice steady, the professor went over various
    gimmicks and strategies that had been taught.

    Makes sense that the first-year curriculum would avoid the most
    complex gimmicks.

    So, the dungeon I create will need to incorporate these tricks…

    “There are also other conditions: the size, difficulty, data
    limits, and…”

    Seems like there are quite a few restrictions.

    Well, creating a dungeon isn’t free, after all, so some logistical
    constraints are to be expected.

    As I listened to her talk, I mentally sorted through the knowledge I
    had.

    To create the ideal dungeon within these limits…

    Hmm…

    As I folded my arms and thought it over, an idea popped into my head.

    If I can pull off this gimmick, it would be perfect, but can it be
    done?

    ‘Professor, I was wondering…’

    “So, just asking here…does this sloppy academy have the
    capacity to pull off something like this?”

    I expected her to say no, but her answer took me by surprise.

    “It’s not particularly difficult. How do you intend to use that
    gimmick?”

    …It’s possible?

    So I can really incorporate this gimmick?!

    Hehehe.

    Heheheheh.

    Alright, first-year weaklings.

    Get ready.

    You’re about to see what a real dungeon is supposed to look like.

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