Chapter 116

Posted by Kuze, ? Views, Released on January 26, 2025

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I decided to mark my territory whenever I had some free time. Still, I need to talk to Porori first.

Though it’s for setting up boundaries on the outskirts, territory is a very sensitive matter for beasts.

If our territories overlap, it can lead to some serious tension, potentially even conflicts.

In worse cases, it might escalate into a full-blown territorial dispute, increasing the chance of a fight.

Rod will help prevent this, but it’s better to be prepared just in case.

“It would be great if Ratatosk approves, but we should consider the option of refusal. In that case, Sivar may have to handle everything himself.”

“That’s fine.”

“I’m sorry for putting you through all this trouble. Is there anything you want?”

Something I want… I paused to think after hearing Rod’s suggestion.

I get my sweets like candy and cake from Kara and Grace.

I’m also eating well and have plans to fill up on Usuk meat for a while.

Nothing’s really lacking, except for one thing: money.

‘Once Kara finishes the auction, we should have quite a bit of money…’

The important thing here is how to store that money securely. A hefty sum will be coming in all at once.

Fortunately, this world has progressed enough for banks to exist. If I deposit the money there, it should be safe.

However, for that, I need my own personal identity. Without it, I can’t deposit money in a bank.

‘For now, I have no choice but to rely on Kara.’

Tartar has only recently built up its country but is currently thriving through trade.

Naturally, they’re sensitive to money management and have readily accepted banking and finance.

So, it’s best to let Kara handle the finances. She won’t do anything weird with my money.

“Looks like nothing comes to mind. You can take your time thinking. If you want, I could teach you a few skills. Are you interested in swordsmanship?”

“Not right now.”

“Hmm. That’s too bad.”

He’s subtly trying to teach me swordsmanship. Of course, learning from Rod would be beneficial.

If Luna also learns from him, she could grow not just a level, but several levels higher.

However, for now, learning swordsmanship seems pointless. My primary weapon is an axe, and even barehanded fighting is tough for me.

Moreover, Rize mentioned that my strength lies in unorthodox movements. She advised me that if I learn a specific martial art, that advantage might disappear.

‘Just the basics will do.’

I plan to only learn the basics of swords or spears and call it quits.

It’s said that digging just one well leads to success, but I am an exception. Once I start digging, my other strengths may fade.

Besides, I’m immensely lacking in time. I train with Rize on berserk control every weekend, and adding more complicated things to my training seems burdensome.

“Then I need to talk to Ratatosk… When do you think he’ll be back?”

“He should return soon. I’ll relay the message.”

“Thanks. Here’s the map for the Academy…”

As Rod spoke, he suddenly froze, as if remembering something.

“By the way, Sivar, can you read a map?”

“No.”

Of course, I can’t. And having a map wouldn’t mean much anyway.

I already know the routes inside out; as long as I don’t venture deep into the Chaos Forest, I should be fine.

“I can manage alone. I know the way.”

“Hmm… Still, it might be better to have a companion with you.”

“Rize is with me.”

“Oh. So Rize is with you.”

Rod’s expression quickly softened at the mention of Rize. It was a reaction of surprise.

As mentioned, I train for berserk control with Rize every weekend. Then, I could also mark my territory at the same time.

If that happens, Luna would automatically follow along. It seems like I’ll have a rather busy daily life ahead.

“I think it’s better to wrap things up here. This matter will remain a secret for the time being. I should tell the professors after it’s proven effective.”

“Why keep it a secret?”

Luna asked with a curious expression. Eli seemed to share a similar curiosity.

Rod chuckled at their expressions, then took a sip of tea. He proceeded to give a somewhat reasonable explanation.

“I initially didn’t plan on keeping it secret. But after seeing the method that Sivar suggested, I changed my mind. How do you think it would fare for Sivar if such a monstrous rumor spread?”

Honestly, I couldn’t care less. My reputation was tossed aside long ago.

During midterms, I was treated as a potential terrorist—could this shake me?

In fact, it might just add to the reputation of being wild, and that’s something I’ve consistently dealt with.

“The issue isn’t just reputation; it’s about our duty as fellow humans. To be honest, I don’t really like this either. It’s only because there’s no suitable alternative.”

So humanity is the issue. I can sense the acknowledgment of my individual worth traversing his words.

Since I see him practically every day adding to my stress, I feel a bit guilty. I should work on expanding my territory earnestly.

“And even if a public document is issued, there won’t be any details about Sivar. It’ll just state that things have stabilized.”

“Wouldn’t that raise suspicions? They might believe a more dangerous monster has appeared.”

Eli raised a perfectly valid point. While it’s good that the external situation stabilizes, it could raise further doubts.

If things go poorly, Porori’s existence might be discovered. I could manage to hide it somehow, but…

Rod anticipated that concern and spoke calmly.

“Don’t worry. We just need to announce that humans aren’t attacking. We’ll be having a discussion among the professors about this. Everyone will just want to keep things pleasant.”

That’s true enough. Nature is a place so intricate that even renowned scholars find it hard to comprehend.

Once the outskirts stabilize, it would be good for the Academy, and thus the chance of smoothing things over is quite high.

Besides, there’s no environment that breeds anxiety. After all, isn’t it us and Porori that contribute to the stabilization?

As long as I can carry on quietly without revealing my identity until then, it should be fine. And if I get found out, Rod will cover for me.

“Do you have any questions?”

“None.”

“Not for me.”

“Sorry for wasting your time. By the way, I’ve arranged for Sivar to have free access to the forest whenever he wants.”

With the planning complete, we ended the meeting with Rod’s words of encouragement.

Today’s class has ended due to the appearance of Usuk. In other words, it means I have nothing to do for the rest of the afternoon.

‘There’s still time until lunch.’

About an hour remains until the disassembly of the baby Usuk. Until then, there’s really nothing planned.

The others also seem to have nothing to do, so we began discussing various things.

“Hey? Did you meet with the director?”

I ran into Kara just in time. It seemed she had dropped off the blade fangs at the forge and was now returning.

She expressed curiosity as soon as she saw us coming out of the director’s office. I wanted to explain the situation, but it would be complicated right now.

Eli, upon meeting Kara, immediately suggested, “How about we go meet Ratatosk? We’ve got plenty of time until lunch, and it’d be a good chance to explain things to Kara.”

“Let’s do it.”

In the end, we decided to look for Ratatosk. Forest entry was prohibited due to Usuk’s appearances.

However, when Luna mentioned that we had Rod’s permission, it was quickly granted. This is the convenience of power.

We stepped back into the outskirts of the Chaos Forest. Every so often, the roars of beasts echo, showing that it remains just as chaotic.

During that time, I explained to Kara what had happened with Rod. She was somewhat taken aback by the method but seemed positive about it.

“By the way, sis, did they say they’d make weapons with the blade fangs?”

“Yeah. They told me to come back in a week. I’ll pay then, and it should be fine if the auction happens this weekend.”

“Is there… no leftovers?”

She must have been about to ask if there were any left. It’s typical of Luna.

The silver lining is that I’m curious about that part too, so I asked Kara.

“Are there any leftovers?”

“Leftovers? Of course! I was told there’s enough to make my sword and your axe. If not, I might just have to pay with that instead. Should I convert it into cash as well?”

“Only for those in good condition.”

“Got it. I heard that the most expensive part is the fangs, at least over a million by silver standards.”

In this world, silver coins serve as the base currency. It fits the times fairly well.

One silver piece is roughly equivalent to 100 Korean won. So, it amounts to a price around 100 million won.

“That expensive? Lucky you. Sivar, you’ll be rich now.”

“Just so you know, that’s the minimum price. Once it goes to auction, it might get even pricier. Counting in the other parts, it might reach 3 million or even more.”

“I can buy delicious things with that money. Just don’t go overboard.”

I plan to buy tasty food and save money in the bank. Anyway, I intend to let Kara handle the money for now.

However, as news of me having substantial funds spreads, I’m bound to be swarmed by various scammers.

I’ll strictly filter them out, but if the person I want shows up, I’m ready to accept them immediately.

‘Was I still considered a student?’

If I recall correctly, they were a grade above mine. Ordinarily, they shouldn’t show up now.

But if I were to acquire a whopping sum of money through some unique event, this character’s arrival would be guaranteed. It would benefit not just me but also Kara significantly.

“Where do you think Ratatosk is? Sivar, do you know?”

“Why am I being called again, lady?”

While wandering the woods aimlessly, I heard a familiar voice from behind when Eli grumbled.

Just like the saying goes, “Speak of the devil,” it was Porori. What impeccable timing.

“Ah, Ratatosk. I need to have a quick word with you. You’ll have to work with Sivar.”

“With that guy? For what?”

“Well, regarding something…”

Eli began explaining step-by-step the details she heard from Rod, and Ratatosk attentively listened.

Once Ratatosk had heard the whole explanation, he gave a positive response.

“I don’t mind. Either way, all the fools around here are weak. But I do have one condition.”

“What is it?”

“If I find a female I fancy, that area becomes my territory. That’s the condition.”

It’s quite a reasonable request. Usually, all females within a territory belong to the predator.

Of course, it doesn’t change the fact that the male still has to sincerely court them. The life of a male can be quite tragic.

“Feel free.”

“Well, it’s not like you care much. It’s a relief you’re different species from me after all.”

I expected that the work would proceed smoothly up to this point.

“But why haven’t you marked territory on the other side?”

“Huh?”

“No, I meant over there. You should mark that side too.”

I gestured toward the direction of the Academy, speaking before I fully realized.

It seemed Porori questioned why I hadn’t marked the Academy as my territory.

Hearing that left me utterly flabbergasted. Am I to strip down in the Academy plaza and make a grand display of marking my territory?

“… Ratatosk, humans mark territory in a different way. And even if they do, it’s not personal.”

“Is that so? Huh, it must be tough to gain territory while that old man’s still holding his ground.”

Porori nodded, seemingly understanding after Luna’s explanation.

Then Porori wore a pitying expression and offered me a sympathy that wasn’t quite sympathy.

“Then you can’t freely take a female for yourself either. Not unless you overpower that old man.”

“….”

I was so astonished that I couldn’t respond. Is this truly the limit of a beast’s understanding?

The funniest part is I can’t even argue back. Explaining the complexity of civilization with such poor linguistic skills is no easy feat.

In reality, if I were to mess around with one girl or another, both Rod and Rize might likely teach me a harsh lesson themselves.

“What? There must be some way humans have to mark their territory. But you’ve already picked out a female, haven’t you?”

“No.”

“Huh? You haven’t? How strange.”

What is considered strange? This squirrel seems quite confused.

Could it be that she’s pointing her finger at Eli? That would be utterly absurd.

Porori tilted her head and suddenly locked eyes with Luna—not Eli or Kara, but Luna.

Then she pointed a short finger at Luna, speaking in a voice full of bewilderment.

“Didn’t you pick out this female beforehand? When I saw you last time, she was putting out quite the scent?”

“….What?”

“….Me?”

Both Luna and I were left dumbfounded upon being pointed out. What on earth does she mean about my scent?

I bury my face in Eli’s broad heart, and I have no choice but to rub shoulders with Kara due to our combat training.

But not with Luna. I’ve barely had any direct contact with her physically.

“Could it be that awkward moment yesterday…?”

I don’t know what misunderstanding she’s had, but it’s absolutely not what she’s thinking. I mentally retorted at Kara’s mumblings.

For now, let’s hear a detailed explanation. First, I need to understand what kind of misunderstanding Porori is caught up with.

“Weren’t you the one who picked Luna out from the very beginning when you met the ladies? You gave off a strong scent especially to that golden lady.”

“….”

How terribly awkward. Of course, she’s referring to the time Luna stepped into trouble. From a beast’s perspective, it’s a misunderstanding that could easily happen.

However, to clear up this misunderstanding, revealing that episode would be a must. This is a secret I must take to my grave.

“Luna, what’s this all about? Why did Sivar pick you out from the start?”

“Well…”

At Eli’s pointed question, Luna’s eyes rolled about awkwardly. It seems Kara also felt something was off and kept quiet.

After rolling her eyes for some time, Luna likely realized the situation.

“….There’s something like that. But it’s a bit awkward to say.”

Looks like she chose to avoid the answer rather than say it out loud. Why does it feel like I sense some humanity in this?

But receiving pointed stares was unavoidable. That little rat wouldn’t help me either.

As I silently cursed Porori in my thoughts, Kara spoke, observing us.

“If it’s awkward to say, then at least give us a hint. I wasn’t there back then. What on earth happened?”

“It’s a bit difficult to explain directly.”

“Why?”