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139th Chapter. The Curse of Ra■■?

Human distrust.

It must be the most troublesome disease for people.

No matter what era or society you live in, it becomes quite a burden.

Forming interpersonal relationships fails due to social anxiety.

Rejecting others leads to being despised, and in turn, feeling the disdain from others towards oneself.

In a society where people gather in numbers, there’s no more fatal and horrifying disease than this.

As time passes, one becomes increasingly isolated, losing oneself to the abyss.

Unless you have a powerful backing, all that awaits is a future of being torn apart by the masses.

For Nebia, this manifests as the inability to see people as anything other than creatures.

Having lived among filth, even those unrelated to her appear as garbage.

The reason others appear as trash to Nebia is simple.

“Uh…”

“What is it?”

Nebia, who had just recently pounced on me, was now standing at a distance.

As I took a step closer, she revealed her face and increased the distance again.

It felt as if I were a confirmed virus patient, but the one embarrassed was actually her.

“Please forget my rudeness from earlier…”

Nebia, squatting down and looking back, spoke.

‘Would you even be able to forget that?’ I wanted to shoot back.

It would be a miracle that the sudden attack didn’t escalate into chaos.

“I think I just saw a cannibal trying to eat me.”

“….”

No excuses came from Nebia’s mouth.

Her expression when she had thrown herself at me, losing her composure and revealing her instincts, remained vividly in my mind.

Now that she had regained her senses, she still remembered what she had done.

It was as if she wanted to hide away if there was a hole to crawl into.

“Why the sudden change in demeanor?”

“That’s…”

“Even with your high position, this is quite excessive, don’t you think?”

As I sharply admonished her, Nebia shrank even further.

In this situation, words naturally come to mind, but aside from that, I was a bit angry.

To charge at someone with the intention to eat them and then be unaffected by it would be godly.

But I quickly understood her because of the last words she uttered.

“And you said you don’t wish to die—what did that mean?”

“….”

Of course, she wouldn’t tell me.

The moment she mentioned parasites inside her, she would surely die.

Plus, it would be absurd to reveal her true intentions to others…

“Do you know about Doomsday…?”

“…?”

The moment I heard the name, my eyes widened.

A word that should never come out of her mouth just escaped.

“I believe someone of your stature has heard of the rumors.”

A villain group that roots itself in all the evils of the continent, manipulating everything directly or indirectly.

There’s no way I wouldn’t know this.

“In fact, I am closely associated with them.”

Finally, she spilled all the facts except for the Blood Parasite to me. Her attitude seemed almost as if she didn’t care what happened next.

I felt a considerable shock at her manner, which suggested she was indifferent.

No one else, but I, Radon Crawler, felt a desperate urgency about it. I could easily discern the source of her obsession.

Voting day was just around the corner.

Nebia was set to receive tremendous praise during the candidates’ speeches.

However, with Lyman’s exploits, all the misconduct would be exposed, reversing the situation.

In the end, Nebia’s downfall as president was inevitable.

It was unclear how it would unfold.

*

Fireworks shot up from a boat floating in the middle of the lake.

Though a person steered the boat, another wasn’t the one firing the fireworks.

Inside, artificial golems were aboard, their mouths and hands pointed towards the sky, with smoke billowing out.

Detecting devices, among others, they are curious beings that work in various domains as long as mana is infused into them.

“That’s how it works. It would be nice to have one of those in the royal family.”

Golems that obey people, not ones that cause harm. Princess Mirona, watching from afar, found it intriguing.

She was flabbergasted by the sight of a golem that automatically identifies her identity as she stepped into the academy for the first time.

Moreover, they said they could be used for combat and household chores in various fields.

“The more I see, the more versatile they seem. Plus, because they’re not alive, it’s possible to use them like tools…”

Suddenly, Mirona’s words were cut off.

“Tools…”

And she muttered one word.

Of course, beings that aren’t human are treated as mere tools. It isn’t as if there’s disdain for life.

However, the word ‘tools’ resonated with Mirona unexpectedly.

Because she too is treated inhumanly, being tossed around as if she were nothing.

‘No, I shouldn’t think that way. This is my duty! Just a responsibility that comes with my position!’

As a princess of a nation, she couldn’t voice complaints even if it meant moving about this way.

Those poorer than her are treated even worse.

Being treated like a tool is merely expected.

Yes, let’s not grumble over trivial matters.

Swoosh—

While she was lost in thought with her hands on her head, the sound of someone walking on branches was heard.

With the knowledge that someone was approaching this isolated sanctuary, she sharpened her senses.

One must not let their guard down in case of an ambush.

“You are…”

The person who emerged from between the trees was Lyman Begilius.

Mirona’s face turned crimson the moment she saw him.

The memory of her being embarrassed when she saw him naked while bathing was still vivid.

“What are you doing here?”

“Um… I was watching the fireworks. What brings you here, Lyman-senpai?”

Lyman wasn’t alone. He was carrying an artificial golem over his shoulder.

“I was on my way to return the golem. If you go straight down here, there’s the golem management department.”

“I see. But I heard you entered the mountains with three others.”

“Oh, I just came down for a bit because I had some business.”

Lyman couldn’t speak the whole truth.

He didn’t let out the fact that he left his doppelgänger behind in the mountains.

“But are you alone?”

“Yes.”

“Even though freedom is guaranteed here, it seems the knights are quite lazy.”

“No. I’m not in need of their help to protect myself.”

The reason he could talk so confidently was evident by looking at the sword at her waist.

With monstrous strength of her own, the soldiers were like mere screens to hide behind.

“At least don’t you think it would be good to have Sir Jason next to you? He would be capable of keeping your back safe.”

“Sir Jason is too busy with his work to bother with such trivial matters.”

“Haha, it’s quite surprising that the leader of the knights assigned to protect the princess is doing nothing.”

Lyman, leaning back in disbelief.

Of course, he’s also juggling his instructor duties, but he could always pass that on to Professor Radian or Teaching Assistant Adela.

Jason was purposely ignoring the princess to not worry her.

Why would he, who isn’t entirely devoted to the royal family, come to this academy under the pretense of protection? Lyman chuckled to himself as he speculated.

“How’s the preparation for the elections going?”

“That’s…”

It was hardly going well.

Lyman, who had been gathering information under the guise of his doppelgänger at the mountain’s base, knew that too well.

Although everyone agreed that she seemed like a saint, she had a flaw of being completely naïve.

The support she received was all thanks to the title of “Princess.” Due to inadequate education, she was lagging behind in policies and being overshadowed by other candidates.

Moreover, her situation had dropped below Nebia Chromag.

“You don’t need to be too disheartened. Does being a princess mean you must occupy the president’s seat by law?”

“….”

In fact, running for president might just be a nuisance.

There were many capable candidates, but she was buried under the competition simply because she carried the title of princess.

Despite knowing this, Mirona still decided to run.

“I want to be recognized by His Majesty the Emperor.”

Mirona’s voice sounded low.

She couldn’t fathom the sorrow of being disregarded and despised by her own parents.

The loneliness felt akin to being an orphan, even though she had a family who should have recognized her.

“Those who understand do understand, but I’ve never been treated well within the royal family.”

Yet she couldn’t blame them. The fact that they hadn’t completely abandoned her meant there was still a chance to be recognized.

Just like those half-siblings who once held the position of student council president and received praise from the Emperor, she wanted to share her existence through the same method.

“Of course, I know it’s frustrating. That’s why I must strive hard. No matter how severe the oppression of the environment is, it’s just an unavoidable matter.”

She couldn’t throw a tantrum just because she felt wronged.

If that led her to stain her blade with blood, it would only tarnish the royal name and throw the Empire’s citizens into panic.

“If you really feel wronged, then blame yourself for being born into the royal family.”

“And what exactly are you trying to say?”

Lyman interrupted her with a sharp cutoff.

His heavy voice startled Mirona.

“Are you really happy living this way?”

“….”

“Moreover, if you live your whole life this way, do you have any guarantee that you will be recognized by His Majesty the Emperor?”

“What did you just say?”

Mirona responded, raising an eyebrow at his words.

“I’ll pretend I didn’t hear that. You won’t get a second chance.”

She now displayed a more threatening demeanor than moments before.

Having worked hard to gain her father’s recognition, denying that would be akin to denying her own existence.

No matter who the opponent was, she couldn’t let it slide.

“Then I want to ask if you, yourself, are satisfied?”

“Stop it.”

“If you don’t get recognized even after being elected president, what will you do next?”

“Stop it, I said.”

Her voice suddenly became rough.

It seemed she was barely managing to restrain her anger, with her hands trembling.

The energy surrounding Mirona was far from the innocent girl one might think.

“The only focus of your life is on getting recognition?”

“Shut up.”

Even her intonation changed.

Lyman was taken aback by such a dramatic shift.

“Do you truly feel at peace?”

“….”

But Lyman wasn’t one to be easily bullied either.

Despite his expression showing disbelief, he felt the force akin to a beast trying to tame an unruly creature.

The warm atmosphere from moments ago switched to a heavy silence.

An overwhelming presence that can never be emitted by the weak rippled through the air. The atmosphere became intense to the point where it wouldn’t be strange for either side to lose their heads.

“Cancel it now. Otherwise…”

“Cancel? Pffft!”

With her hand resting on her waist’s sword, she threatened him… Lyman merely clicked his tongue.

And while plucking a branch, he spoke.

“You know perfectly well that you are treated like a tool.”

“You’re starting to lose your temper.”

Lyman was not an official associated with the royal family.

It was unreasonable for someone unrelated to meddle this much, no pleasant feelings would arise.

From the beginning, Mirona hadn’t lost to anyone in combat.

Moreover, to face Lyman with just a single branch was akin to pricking a steel wall with a needle.

But contrary to this lighthearted thought, the exchange exceeded dozens of blows.

And the match was decided when Mirona’s sword broke.

It was the first time in her life she experienced defeat, alongside the shattering of her sword.

*

While everyone was enjoying the fireworks.

When the sound of explosions filled the sky… deep underground in a building, another loud sound was erupting.

“How dare you, a new recruit, be so cocky!”

The sound of fists hitting flesh echoed alongside a man’s furious shout.

While everyone was entranced by the magnificent view in the sky, these individuals were steeped in a closed-off atmosphere.

“How dare anyone suspect me!”

The leader of the Royal Guards, Slave, was beating someone in a fit of rage.

The person being hit was Markray, a fellow member of the Royal Guard.

Due to the recent failure involving the Blood Parasite, Nebia’s support rating had been cut in half.

This meant the plan to seat her as student council president had grown even more distant.

Voting would begin next week.

In front of Slave, whose mental state had become unstable due to the failed plan, Markray spoke up, asking if Radon Crawler wasn’t suspicious.

“That guy is the successor to our esteemed Elder. He’s like a part of him. Being a newcomer means he should stay in his lane!”

“Please stop and listen to me!”

Markray managed to grab Slave’s fist, shouting. His face was swollen with bruises from the beating.

No matter how similarly modified their bodies were, Slave’s experience and expertise exceeded Markray’s.

Knowing that difference, Markray pressed on.

“No matter how I think about it, it feels odd!”

“What nonsense are you spouting…!”

“This isn’t nonsense! Believe it or not, I’m related to him!”

The Layered Family, separated from the Crawlers, had always coveted Crawler assets.

From their perspective, they could easily know all of Radon Crawler’s movements.

“I know everything about that guy. There wasn’t a single chance he could have entered Elder Enviel’s service!”

“What did you say?”

“Up until their downfall, they were just an ordinary family. There’s been no signs of any contact with Doomsday!”

Then things started changing a few years back.

That was when the family head turned into a liar, leading to their downfall, and there was no information indicating Enviel’s involvement.

“If he really had dealt with Elder Enviel, we would have noticed long ago!”

“Then there’s a possibility he made contact after their downfall.”

“Up to that point, I’m not sure…”

“What nonsense again!”

Once again, Markray was smashed by Slave’s fist, landing hard on the ground.

Hulk and Lavender, who had been watching, intervened to calm the situation.

“You should understand, Slave. This guy Markray has an inferiority complex like no other.”

“Hahaha! The Chosen of the Crawler Family must be seething in jealousy because he’s being seen as a successor to that esteemed position.”

Within the Royal Guard, Markray had become a mere afterthought.

And Jason’s reaction spoke volumes.

“Don’t let your personal feelings drag you down. You’ll regret it.”

Even Renka, who had been quietly sitting and hiding her presence like a ghost, chimed in.

“This can’t be happening. This is…”

Markray was frustrated that no one was listening to his opinion.

He was certain he knew all there was to know about the Crawler Family.

Suddenly, everyone fell into a collective state of being liars, leading to their utter collapse.

Elder Enviel wouldn’t lower his standards enough to accept a son from that family.

But why did they turn into liars?

“Ugh!”

Suddenly, a headache struck.

As he closed his eyes against the pain that felt like his brain was rattling, Markray felt something invade his head.

‘What is this?’

That dark energy whispered to Markray’s mind.

-Lie.

-Lie for life.

-Otherwise, your blood and flesh will wither away.

-You cannot reveal this to anyone.

-No one can break this curse.

The information rapidly etched itself in his brain.

Markray whispered the name of the sudden curse he had just received.

“The Curse of Ra■■?”

Surviving as an Academy Scammer.

 

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