[ Varok Shaldryn, in light of the recent scandals concerning you, I find myself obliged to revoke all the privileges the Academy has granted you until now.
Nevertheless, in accordance with the terms of your contract, you will continue to perform your duties as a professor until its expiration. ]
[ However, if you could refrain from appearing on the Academy's premises, we would greatly appreciate it. Naturally, you will continue to receive your usual salary until the official termination of your contract. ]
I casually tossed the letter into the trash bin beside the bench where I was sitting.
There was no need to read it again to grasp its meaning. In short, it was nothing less than a "scheduled termination notice."
This kind of document was usually reserved for professors of low birth or modest background. Never would an academy — not even the Continental Academy — have dared to send such a letter to someone of Varok Shaldryn's standing.
The illustrious brother of the eminent matriarch of one of the most powerful dark elf clans.
And yet, they had done it.
If they had taken such a risk despite his status, there could only be one reason:
Varok Shaldryn had been unanimously acknowledged as one of the greatest scoundrels on the continent.
Why am I using "he" instead of "I"? When in theory… I'm the one they call Varok Shaldryn?
The reason is surprisingly simple.
"I'm not that bastard, damn it!! Who the hell is this Varok?! My name is Kang Jin-Woo — Kang Jin-Woo!!"
A strange anger surged through me. I wanted to scream.
Just a few hours ago, I was Kang Jin-Woo, twenty-five years old — and far from being a professor. I was a damn unemployed nobody.
If there was one thing that set me apart even slightly… it was that I was a dark web hacker.
Back then, I operated under the pseudonym Anonymous.
After Anonymous's golden age — between 2010 and 2012 — I never carried out large-scale attacks again.
I merely stuck to cracking role-playing games.
And Versatile Mercenary was one of them.
"Varok Shaldryn is a third-zone boss… a real scumbag in that game. Which means that… I'm currently inside Versatile Mercenary."
Ridiculous.
I grabbed the black suitcase resting on the bench beside me and started walking.
Anger boiled inside me. And whenever I'm angry, all I want to do is lose myself behind my computer.
Unfortunately, that was impossible now, and I needed somewhere quiet to think.
"Look, isn't that the bastard the papers were talking about this morning?"
"Seriously, how can a piece of trash like that walk around here?"
"The Dark Elf clan is really…"
"The Academy isn't seriously going to force us to attend his shitty lectures, are they?"
…
They weren't even whispering.
People were speaking openly.
It was Sunday. We were all in civilian clothes.
But in reality, they were students of the Imperial Solcrest Academy.
I'm telling you, that idiot isn't me…
Swallowing my curses, I kept weaving through the narrow streets until I finally stopped in front of a massive, imposing building.
Black Hotel.
I'm really inside this game…
This hotel played a major role in the early story arcs.
Its name had stuck with me.
It towered over the city to the point that you could spot it from afar — somewhat like the Eiffel Tower, all proportions aside.
So it hadn't been difficult to find.
"I suppose I'll have to stay here for a while."
If there was at least one good thing the former owner of this body had left me, it was gold coins.
Even if this was the most luxurious establishment in the city, I could probably afford to stay here long enough to sort out my thoughts.
"Let's go."
Ignoring the piercing stares and the remarks spat at my back, I stepped through the hotel doors.
Cling.
"Good afternoon, would it be possible to get a room—"
…
Huh?
I hadn't even finished my sentence before I found myself hurled outside the building, my backside slamming violently against the ground, a sharp pain shooting through my chest.
Wait…
Did I just get hit?
Everything had happened so fast that I hadn't even had time to groan.
The young woman with violet hair at the front desk had been wearing a professional smile… and then, the next instant, my vision blurred — and here I was, outside.
"I suppose I'm not welcome here either…"
Laughter burst out around me.
Passersby continued commenting on the scene as though they were watching some kind of street performance.
Objectively… it was almost surprising that no one had drawn a dagger to finish me off (considering the crimes attributed to me).
Ironically, I was almost grateful that they limited themselves to mockery.
If no one dared to go further, there was only one reason:
Varok's sister.
I don't have a choice anymore, so…
I slowly got back to my feet, brushing the dust off my clothes with deliberate calm, pretending to ignore the insults.
In reality, I was on the verge of snapping.
If I had become a pathetic unemployed man, then a black-hat hacker, it wasn't by chance.
I've always had serious issues with people.
So if, on top of that natural discomfort, they were openly hostile toward me…
My heart wouldn't endure it for long.
"He disgusts me."
"I've always known the rich were vile creatures."
…
People continued talking.
As I walked away, I muttered under my breath:
"Even I… find this pathetic."
I need somewhere quiet to sort my thoughts out.
But in Varok's skin, that's apparently impossible.
At least… in this academy-city.
I raised my eyes and headed north, beyond the academy walls.
I suppose I'll have to live in that forest.