The Academy’s Guide to Useless Students – Chapter 43

Hoffman Umberto, the eldest son of the noble Umberto family, was determined to elevate his cordiality with others by joining the ‘Six Taste Society.’ Eager to avoid the risks of the Hell of No Intervals, he had foolishly invested experience points, resulting in an impressive muscle mass. It was no surprise then that he had no trouble winning their favor; within just a day, he was recognized as one of them. As he was thoroughly engrossed in bonding activities with the members, an unexpected guest arrived.

“What’s this? A potential recruit?”

Upon seeing the messy-haired boy, I immediately recognized him as Joseph, faithful follower of Arthur Floyd. When recalling his past appearances, he had certain distinctive traits that made him unmistakable.

Joseph was a young man with a scruffy hairstyle that partially obscured his face. Despite that, he exuded an undeniable air of nobility… The slender boy even had a voice that…

There was no doubt, it was Joseph.

The timing of his arrival was perfect. I was the biggest hurdle to Arthur Floyd’s demonic transformation plan.

Regardless of my intentions, he would likely target me and scheme something as a result. However, it was unexpected for him to arrive so directly.

Joseph was basically the joker in the deck.

As a secret worshiper of the Demon God infiltrating under a false identity, he would usually remain well-hidden unless in special circumstances. But for him to reveal such a trump card so soon…

‘Isn’t this a bit hasty?’

Arthur Floyd was clever, but that’s all I could think at the moment. While lost in various thoughts, the members began to gather around Joseph, showcasing their muscles.

“Heheh! Look, a newbie! Isn’t this a year of plenty?”

“Whoa! Are we having a welcome party again?”

The members’ cheers were silenced by the captain’s snort.

“Year of plenty? Even if a truckload of bones came, it wouldn’t be needed. What self-respecting rookie dares step foot in this domain without even basic training?”

A fair point.

Joseph looked like a skinny, malnourished rat at first glance. What could such a weakling do in a sweaty battlefield?

It would be a waste of protein to feed him.

However, I didn’t want to send Joseph away. I was curious about what schemes Arthur Floyd was planning to pull using him, and if utilized well, there could be benefits to reap. In short, I was welcoming his presence.

With that in mind, I decided to give him a little assistance.

“Captain, could you hold off on that boy’s treatment for a moment?”

“Yuto, is there really a reason to waste time waiting for a ‘rat’?”

“I see potential in him.”

“For that rat?”

It was a stretch, but I was inclined to nurture him.

I had concluded that following my special training manual would offer him a chance to grow.

“Look closely at his weaponry.”

“Hmm. What’s that?”

Hoffman Umberto’s eyes widened like a rabbit’s. Joseph’s primary weapon was a dagger, and unless he aimed to learn dual-wielding, he would inevitably adopt unarmed combat techniques. In truth, it meant he was focused on maximizing agility-based martial arts.

“Can he really execute martial arts with such a frail body? Quite the audacious little rat.”

It was too early to make a judgment.

I needed more appealing evidence. I approached Joseph.

“If you’re interested in the Six Taste Society, prove it.”

“Uh… I don’t really have any business here…”

“Prove it.”

Shut up and prove it.

Joseph knew he had business with me.

So buckle up.

As someone who absolutely obeyed his superior, Joseph definitely wouldn’t miss this opportunity.

“Understood. I shall show you my secret technique.”

Finally, he was catching on.

Joseph assumed a serious stance, drawing his dagger and holding it at an angle with both hands, standing with his legs shoulder-width apart in a diagonal stance.

Whoosh!

Bam!

Wham!

Booom!

He threw punches and kicked the air.

The rapid strikes accompanied by sharp slicing sounds filled the room.

Joseph was aware of the indoor setting and proceeded with an elegant performance without channeling his magic.

“Ooooh.”

The members gasped at Joseph’s martial display. Sneaking a glance at Hoffman, I noticed a strong interest etched on his face.

Success.

Joseph seemed relieved by the members’ newfound warmth towards him, appearing to forget his original objectives.

What exactly was Arthur Floyd planning through Joseph, I wondered.

I approached him and offered a handshake.

“Congratulations. I’ll officially make you a member with my responsibility.”

“Ah… Thank you. Is someone like me really okay?”

“Of course. My name is Yuto.”

“I am Joseph.”

Speaking of which, what class was Joseph in again?

“This is the first time we’re properly introducing ourselves, Yuto.”

“Have we met somewhere before?”

“Of course. I’m in Class A just like you.”

Ah, we were in the same class?

It dawned on me that Joseph had a skill set in swordsmanship, martial arts, and assassination techniques. Wasn’t he a bit too inconspicuous?

“Yet, you seem quite different from the first impression… mainly regarding your physique.”

“This is expanded muscle.”

“Pardon?”

“Boom!”

Joseph would surely be confused.

My physique was two to three times more pumped than usual. I constricted my bloated muscles.

“No excess display in combat is detrimental. This is my everyday form. Expanding the contracted muscles is like entering a state of awakening.”

“Ah, I see…?”

“You’ll soon be able to do it too, Joseph.”

“I-I’ll do my best!”

What’s with the determination, idiot?

He was simple-minded, to put it bluntly.

If he had been instructed to build rapport with me, that made sense.

Let’s just wait and see.

Using Joseph to my advantage could happen slowly; there was no rush.

Scratch, scratch.

Arthur Floyd was flipping through paperwork while scrawling on a fountain pen.

He had many tasks more pressing than the paperwork at hand.

“So, why is there no news?”

It had been two days since he had given orders to Joseph. If the Single Swordsman Kiring was to pass on the message and connect with Yuto, it should have been done long ago.

There was no way that competent Joseph had failed.

Even if there had been a mishap, he would have reported it instantly… to be left in complete silence like this was unsettling.

‘Huh?’

As if to counter his complaints, he sensed movement outside his office. Cautious breathing and subtle movements echoed—something he recognized well: it was Joseph. Arthur Floyd whispered softly, imbued with magic.

“Come in.”

As Joseph stepped into the private office, the familiar scent of an assassin… or rather, a fishy odor pricked at his nose.

“What is this smell?”

Is that the scent of rotten fruit? In any case, the thick and fishy stench was unpleasant. But that wasn’t the only different thing. Arthur Floyd lifted his head higher to meet Joseph’s gaze.

“Joseph… you’ve grown taller while I wasn’t looking… or rather, have you bulked up?”

“Is that so? I’m not too sure.”

Clearly, he was at least two heads taller.

With his previously inconspicuous appearance now replaced with that of a manly figure, Joseph stood there.

“Joseph, what on earth happened?”

“Nothing at all. I was just a little delayed completing the orders you assigned.”

“You completed the orders?”

“Yes. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to connect with the Single Swordsman, but I did manage to establish a bond with Yuto. Now we are like sworn brothers who shared protein together.”

“P-Protein… what do you mean?”

“Protein. Would you like a glass?”

With that, Joseph pulled out a shaker from an unseen pouch.

He began to vigorously shake the contents held within.

Shlurp. Shlurp. Shlurp. Shlurp.

“Don’t worry. If Yuto tries to disrupt our plans, I’ll take care of him.”

“Okay… I’ll trust you.”

“Yes. I have business, so I’ll take my leave now.”

“Do that.”

Arthur Floyd watched Joseph leave, shaking off any lingering suspicions.

‘Am I being too sensitive?’

In fact, Joseph’s loyalty had always seemed excessive. The present actions could be seen as normal behavior. Yet, Arthur Floyd could not shake off his unease.

‘I should test him a bit.’

Keeping a few tricks up his sleeve, he intended to pry into the relationship between Yuto and Joseph.