bro i gotchu https://www.mangago.zone/read-manga/academy_s_genius_swordmaster/
I read it a while ago and ur description triggered my memories. went back and looked in my webtoon history and found this. Hope its what u were looking for gng
Thanks! It is omg yay ε=ε=(ノ≧∇≦)ノ i didn't check past ch 1 when i was looking for it like a madman
Lol thats fair - Ch.1 didnt remind me of it either (had forgotten mc backstory) so I had to go look at ch.7/8 to make sure... im glad it was the right one! ٩(๑❛ᴗ❛๑)۶
DOES ANYONE KNOW a manhwa that starts with MC fighting and killing bandits in the forest near his village (it was kinda gruesome) then MC found a rare bird the bandits stole, then the bird either talked or something and turns out it belongs to an academy professor. Then MC (and his mage friend from the village) goes to the academy, took 1st place on entrance exam, then some noble dude respectfully asked for a duel..... thats all i remember pls help:')