Chapter 14

“Welcome. You’ve had a tough time, haven’t you?”

The first impression of the president could be summed up in one phrase. A down-to-earth grandfather.

With a serious yet gentle appearance and a solid physique despite his old age,

his well-groomed mustache and slicked-back hair gave off a comfortable but unmistakably commanding vibe.

His voice, deep and gruff like that of an old man, was also quite striking.

“Looks like that guy is the culprit behind the weekend shifts?”

Seated on the couch, the president stirred his tea with a teaspoon, asking with a face full of curiosity.

His relaxed actions carried an inexplicable pressure, making even Yeonhwa, who sat next to me, respond with a tense voice.

“Yes. As I reported, these students are the people we rescued from the Chaos Forest.”

“Hmm.”

*Clink!*

The president quietly set down his teaspoon on the table in response to Yeonhwa’s answer. He then proceeded to stare at me intensely.

I met his gaze without flinching; those gray eyes seemed sharp enough to pierce through me.

Just as we were locked in this peculiar standoff, the president chuckled and said,

“You’re quite calm.”

“Excuse me?”

“I said you’re calm. Normally, when people stare like this, there is some reaction, but you seem unfazed. You don’t seem to feel any pressure at all.”

How could I turn away when he was staring right at me?

While I was bewildered internally, the others also appeared to be confused.

The president then laughed heartily, took a sip of his tea, and spoke up again.

“I’m kidding. Still, despite those red eyes, you’re certainly mild-mannered. Most of those with red eyes tend to have nasty personalities, whether they’re berserk or not.”

“Sivar is nice though…”

Eli timidly countered. In response to her remark, Porori looked up at me with a puzzled expression.

What on earth did I do to make Eli say something like that? I felt just as baffled and had nothing to say.

I didn’t understand where she got that impression about me. Was it due to my rescuing her from Manki?

“Eli, what you’re saying applies to monsters; humans are different. The president likely meant it in that sense as well.”

“Mm? That wasn’t what I meant?”

It was hard to tell if the president was joking or serious with his words. Yeonhwa awkwardly laughed.

It seemed she thought he was joking, which would make sense given his eccentric nature.

“Well, since you seem to be keeping it together, I suppose it doesn’t matter now. Did you say your name was Sivar?”

The president didn’t seem inclined to elaborate and just rose from his seat. He slowly walked towards us.

From a distance, I hadn’t noticed, but he was quite tall. Though I was also on the taller side, we seemed almost eye to eye.

“I couldn’t believe it when I heard that a survivor from the Chaos Forest had been found.”

“It might sound like a lie, but it’s true.”

Luna answered with firm conviction.

The president looked at her with surprise and exclaimed, “Ah, you were the top student this admission? Your name is…?”

“Luna Estelle.”

“Ah, yes. Luna, would you explain why you brought this person to the academy?”

“Sure. What happened was…”

Luna began to explain the reason she had brought me, just like she had done for the professors.

The president listened quietly, occasionally nodding to show that he was engaged.

“Eli mentioned it. Sivar is a person, so he needs to be taken to where people live. Humans should live like humans.”

“Living like a human… I agree with that. But that means he’ll need a place to stay…”

The president trailed off, looking at us.

After a brief moment of thought, he spoke quietly.

“If it’s inconvenient, living with me wouldn’t be so bad.”

“…What?”

Could he really be serious? His usual relaxed expression made it seem like he was joking.

I wasn’t the only one taken aback; Yeonhwa stuttered as she spoke.

“Wha-What does that mean? You’re saying you want to take him in, President?”

“Or do you want to keep him? You’ve just enrolled, so you might all be quite busy. It would look weird to leave him to those students.”

“That’s true, but…”

Living with the president would definitely be the best option.

Professors were tied up with their work and students had classes to attend.

“Don’t you work at all, President?”

“Eli!”

At that moment, Eli asked a straightforward question, seemingly surprised. Luna gasped and exclaimed her name.

While Eli may have genuinely wanted to know, it probably sounded a bit rude from the listeners’ perspective.

But the president didn’t mind at all; he chuckled heartily and responded openly.

“I live like a layabout, but I do have work. However, maintaining neutrality within the academy is incredibly difficult.”

It was a sharp observation of the academy’s chronic problem, where competition ran rampant.

Not just students, but professors often found themselves embroiled in politically complex situations.

Since they were sent as representatives from their respective nations, such entanglements were unavoidable. The details could get really complicated.

So it was understandable why he would hesitate to take me along like a ticking time bomb, aiming to avoid drawing unwanted attention as much as possible.

“If I’m going to have to sift through everything, it’d be easier if I took you in directly. It’ll put my mind at ease. Do you agree?”

“That makes sense, but Sivar can’t read. You’ll have to teach him…”

“I can teach him. What’s so hard about that?”

“Um…”

Yeonhwa groaned lightly at the president’s nonchalant response. She looked concerned, questioning whether this was really okay.

However, there was truth in his rationale. Even if issues arose, the president would be able to cover the risks.

Though I might not be the type to cause trouble, it’s always good to have insurance.

“Well then, for the time being, I’ll take care of you. If there’s an opportunity down the line, I might consider enrolling you as well, assuming you’re not entirely socially inept.”

“President, can I also teach Sivar to read?”

Eli quietly raised her hand and made a timid request. Her voice had lost a lot of confidence compared to before.

Why was she so persistent? It seemed I wasn’t the only one who found it odd, as Luna questioned her with a curious tone.

“Why are you so eager, Eli? Aren’t you the one who said the president would take care of him?”

“Still… I really want to teach him to read…”

Eli cautiously peered at me while voicing her feelings. Perhaps she thought she needed to repay a favor.

However, if the president was going to take care of me, that would likely be difficult. After all, he was the president.

“Do whatever you like.”

“President?!”

“If it’s what she wants, then you should accommodate her.”

Just a quirky response from the president was the only variable in the equation. His cheerful reply left each of us with different expressions.

Eli was offering a bright smile, while Yeonhwa and Luna wore expressions that were hard to describe.

However, it seemed the president was serious, as he cautioned Eli.

“But make sure to come by only when you’re free. Being relaxed and being easygoing are two different things.”

“Yes! I’ll keep that in mind!”

“Hahaha, you’re cheerful; you’ll make a wonderful teacher.”

The president laughed heartily, feeling satisfied. In contrast, Luna looked quite complex.

Truth be told, having Eli teach me how to read wasn’t a bad option at all. After all, speech is something one learns through conversation.

Aside from the president teaching me, Eli could become a fantastic conversational partner for me. I had a feeling I’d pick it up swiftly.

*Slide-*

“…?”

At that moment, the president pulled something out of his pocket and handed it to me. I looked at what lay on his palm.

It was a round brown candy. Please don’t tell me he expects me to eat this.

“Try it. It’s really tasty.”

Caught off guard by the sudden offer, I alternated my gaze between the candy and the president. He simply smiled back.

After hesitating, I carefully picked up the candy resting on his palm. Drawing it close, I sniffed it.

It had a savory and sweet scent typical of candy. Not knowing what this meant, I glanced back at the president.

“Sivar, I think the president wants to be friends with you. Just give it a try.”

Interpreting my hesitation as doubt, Eli chimed in helpfully. I wanted to ask if she was being a tad too optimistic.

Still, surely the president wouldn’t give me poison in candy form. With that thought in mind, I popped the candy into my mouth.

The sweetness exploded in my mouth as soon as I bit down. The rich flavor enveloping my taste buds was beyond delightful.

It was a taste that could stir up my salivary glands like no other, a flavor I’d never experienced in the forest before.

“What does it taste like?”

As I relished the candy, Yeonhwa looked at me with curiosity.

In response to her question, the president shrugged and replied.

“It’s rice crust candy.”

“…Why would you give me something like that?”

“I gave it to you because you seemed like you were from the Hwan Empire.”

“That’s something only old folks eat in the Hwan Empire…”

Well, as long as it tasted good, I couldn’t really complain. It was something I could never have in the forest.

I savored the candy until it completely dissolved. It was the first time I produced this much saliva without really being hungry.

“Your expression tells me you liked it. If you want, I can give you more.”

“Too much, and my teeth will rot. Don’t give me too much.”

“Considering you’ve just come from the forest, your teeth look quite clean. A little candy isn’t likely to rot them.”

That also surprised me. I hadn’t had the opportunity to brush my teeth, so I had expected such things to happen.

Yet, for whatever reason, nothing decayed, even after chewing on rough foods, and there were moments when teeth fell out during battles that later grew back.

I wondered if that was just how it worked for humans in the Soul World. I should check on that later.

“Anyway, since the living arrangements have been resolved, Yeonhwa…”

“Yes?”

“You may leave first. I have things I’d like to discuss with these students.”

“…Okay.”

Yeonhwa shot a worried glance but left as the president commanded.

Left behind were the president, me, and a squirrel. Just as a bizarre atmosphere was about to settle in, the president looked down.

His gaze was fixed directly on Porori. Upon meeting his eyes, Porori tilted its head in confusion.

“Looks like you didn’t just bring a human from the wilderness.”

“Ratatosk? He’s just…”

“I’d never have thought that not only humans but spirits could come to the academy.”

The president chuckled, sharing a casual remark. While it flowed out lightly, the content was anything but simple.

Naturally, both Luna and Eli stiffened, shuddering at the revelation of Porori’s identity, which had escaped the notice of other professors.

Luna cautiously inquired, glancing at Ratatosk, “…Did you know?”

“I’ve seen enough in life to figure it out. The energy I sensed and the vibe were worlds apart from ordinary.”

The president explained and began to slowly make his way back. He returned to the table and picked up a teacup.

Steam was still rising from it. He then sipped his tea and asked us.

“It seems there’s a lot of story incomplete in what you’ve mentioned. Could you fill me in? I can prepare some tea if you’d like.”

“No need to go that far.”

“Good. Then please take a seat.”

Under the president’s invitation, we lined up on the guest sofa.

It was me, Luna, and Eli in that order. Porori was tucked in Eli’s arms.

The president looked at me with fascination until I sat down. I did my best to ignore his gaze.

He probably thought I looked like someone with no social skills who listened obediently.

This might be a good chance to clear up misunderstandings, though not just yet.

“Can I share now?”

“Go ahead.”

“Alright. What happened was…”

Luna revealed parts of the story that hadn’t been shared with the professors. The “secret” basically revolved around my fight with Porori.

However, the aftermath of that fight was the real issue. We had put all our strength into it, and as a result, the surrounding area had been devastated.

If such an incident occurred within the academy, it wouldn’t end as just an accident.

“I asked them not to fight. They didn’t once while coming here.”

“Interesting. Not only was it astonishing they contained lightning, but they even agreed not to fight. Seems they truly are spirits.”

“Is it alright to keep raising them?”

Eli asked anxiously, holding Porori tightly in her arms, clearly worried about any possibility of refusal.

Seeing her relaxed demeanor, it looked like Porori had found comfort. Could it be that a squirrel was enjoying such a plush experience?

‘Must be comfortable.’

Being pocket-sized, it had to be an incredibly cozy fit. I found strange thoughts creeping in, probably due to just coming from the wilderness. I had to suppress them as best I could.

“Since this spirit recognizes you as its master, there shouldn’t be any accidents. Typically, spirits show loyalty to their recognized masters till the end.”

“Ah. Then what about Sivar?”

“Eli, Sivar is not a spirit; he’s a person. How can you say that after stating it clearly?”

Finding out why I seemed calm must have also crossed Eli’s mind. Yet, she chuckled awkwardly in response to Luna’s jest.

The president chuckled, finding Eli’s naivety charming, and then spoke.

“While it’s not impossible, given he’s lived without any social skills in the wild, it does make sense that he’s calm so far.”

“See? The president acknowledged it!”

“Ugh…”

As Eli puffed up with pride, Luna sighed deeply with aload of emotional weight. It seemed her road ahead could become quite challenging. I silently cheered her on.

“Will you and Sivar be staying here for a while?”

“Indeed.”

“Oh, so this is your lodging then.”

“Not quite.”

Wait a minute. Something feels off.

I wasn’t the only one sensing a peculiarity; the others also wore confused expressions, tilting their heads in inquiry.

The president broke into his characteristic hearty laugh and answered in line with his “naturalist” persona.

“I enjoy moving around, you see. This place is merely for sleeping.”

“Oh… so that means…”

“You should adapt quickly. It’s just a change of place for sleeping.”

Given the president’s nature-loving comments, I was speechless, but I could comprehend from the subsequent explanations.

This place wasn’t really the president’s office, but closer to a temporary residence. So, it had a shower and even a kitchen.

Also, it seemed that the president of the United Academy primarily fulfilled a role like a final line of defense, leaving administrative tasks virtually untouched.

It’s an assembly of talents from various nations, so there was no higher authority to report to. He was essentially a lock to maintain neutrality.

Of course, he was absolutely not a figurehead. While he may have no one to report to, all final authority within the academy lies with him.

“The reason I asked you to come here instead of to my office is this. I never go to the office on weekends.”

“Did previous presidents also spend their time here?”

Luna asked, puzzled by such a laid-back, natural lifestyle.

“That’s just me. The previous presidents had separate lodgings. I don’t have family and just roam around, so…”

“Isn’t that uncomfortable?”

“I don’t see a reason to be uncomfortable.”

Given that he could manage all his needs from here, he hardly needed a dorm at all.

But it was just a matter of the president having a naturalist tendency; ordinarily, there should have been separate lodgings.

Being a place intended solely for rest also meant I could stay with him.

Anyway, with the living arrangements sorted, it was time for each of us to depart for our tasks.

“Got it? Even when I’m not around, you need to listen to the president. Sivar is a good boy, so he should handle it fine, right?”

Eli squeezed my hand, earnestly reiterating her reassurance. Her light golden eyes were brimming with concern.

Since we decided to live in the president’s office, I’d have to be away from her. She seemed anxious about that.

Anyone would think we were parting for good. After all, she could come to visit whenever she found the time.

“Got it? Respond.”

“Sure, got it.”

“Good. Well done.”

Eli smiled satisfactorily at my agreement. While I would certainly keep my promise, the future remained uncertain.

More than anything, I had no intention to just loiter around. The academy was filled with countless items and secrets to uncover.

Right off the bat, I remember the work the demons set up to collapse the academy.

If I dismantled it beforehand, my stats would boost permanently, and the overall difficulty would only decline from there.

Beyond that, I would need to establish connections with significant characters, including Godin. There was no time to wait idly.

‘I’ll have to sneak away.’

I planned to roam around while the president’s attention was diverted for just a moment. But since my memories were a bit hazy, it might take a while.

Above all, I still had time until the academy collapse part. There was no need to rush.

Thus, I would take the opportunity to explore the academy and revive my fading memories.

*Hack, cough.*

“President?”

“Oh. Don’t worry about it; my age is catching up to me.”

The president waved dismissively, giving an air of assurance. To the casual observer, he merely looked like he had age-related ailments.

However, toxins were gradually accumulating within his body, so subtly that he might not even notice them himself.

I needed to resolve the toxins accumulating in the president’s body as soon as possible. The difficulty level would vary according to his condition.

“Hey.”

During Eli’s persistent urging, Porori called out to me.

It seemed to be giving me a word of encouragement, so I thought it best to return the favor.

“Take care.”

“Kyahng (You too).”

Porori wished me well. What a friendly gesture coming from that little creature.

Eli’s endless admonitions continued, but they were cut short by Luna’s interruption.

Even then, Eli cast another worried glance my way. I simply stood there, blankly staring.

“Please take good care of Sivar. I’ll come by often.”

“Leave behind what I must teach him!”

“Don’t worry about it.”

With the president’s farewell, our group began to depart. Just before leaving, Luna shot me a meaningful glance, but I brushed it off as inconsequential.

And so, only the president and I were left together in the office. It truly felt awkward between us.

“Sivar.”

The president called my name. I turned to look at him, my expression questioning what was going on.

Matching his gaze, the president lightly tugged at his mustache, muttering in a tone brimming with curiosity.

“I wonder if you understand what I’m saying. Are you genuinely akin to that spirit from earlier?”

“…”

Of course, I understood everything he said. For now, however, it was better to keep my mouth shut.

After staring intently at me for what seemed like an eternity, the president broke into a faint smile. He must have had some notion brewing in his mind.

“An orphan.”

“…?”

The president unexpectedly dropped a curveball of a comment. I was left dumbfounded, grasping for a response.

As I blinked innocently in surprise, he didn’t hold back and continued hurling insults my way.

“A beggar. A stray. A savage.”

“…”

What’s his deal? I raised an eyebrow, expressing my discomfort.

I’m a person too, and I didn’t appreciate being insulted without reason. This wasn’t even a call to arms!

The president’s expression faltered as he saw my reaction, and he quickly apologized.

“Uh, uh. I’m sorry for the insults. Just consider it as grasping the nuance.”

“…”

“My name is Rod Sherman. Can you repeat that? Rod Sherman.”

After apologizing, he introduced himself to me. So his name was Rod Sherman.

“Sure.”

“Rod.”

“Sure.”

“Ro… no, that’s not it. I’m being foolish.”

Though I learned his name, I couldn’t say a thing.

Rod, the president, waved this aside and moved on.

“First, let me explain what your living space will be like. Follow me.”

Rod pointed to himself and gestured for me to follow. Without a word, I trailed behind him.

When I heard that the office was a temporary residence, honestly, I found it hard to believe. Yet it had everything it needed, including a kitchen.

Rod kindly explained everything in detail. Rather than just telling me, he demonstrated how to use things by example.

“Give this a try. It’s brewed from good herbs.”

He even brewed tea for me right after showing me the shower.

I alternated my gaze between the steaming cup of tea and the smiling Rod, feeling kind of awkward but knowing I had to take it.

Thus, I grasped the cup carefully with one hand.

“Oh, wait. That might be hot, so make sure to hold this part.”

He pointed to the handle, cautioning me.

Following his instructions, I grabbed the handle and brought the cup closer to my face.

“…?”

Didn’t he just say this was brewed from good herbs? I raised an eyebrow when I took a whiff.

Something in my gut said I shouldn’t drink it. I couldn’t explain why, but instinct was warning me.

‘Thinking back…’

It struck me like a lightning bolt. The last time I drank a tea Rod had made, there had been poison in it.

Rod enjoyed drinking tea quite a bit. He was sipping it even when we first met, wasn’t he?

Before finding the right herbs to counteract it, I needed to handle the tea first. That thought drove me to act immediately.

*Clatter!*

I hurled the cup to the ground, displaying my clear refusal.

Not being able to articulate my thoughts, I had no other way to express it. Naturally, Rod was startled by my sudden action.

Looking down at the overturned cup, he muttered in confusion.

“Uh… you didn’t like it?”

“…It’s poison.”

I struggled to convey my meaning as best as I could.

First, I pointed down at the spilled tea, then to my mouth. I shook my head vigorously.

Rod steeled his gaze as he watched my gestures, laughed heartily, and said distinctly.

“You aren’t asking for candy, are you? If you already want it, that won’t work.”

“…Seriously?”

Looks like the road ahead was going to be tough.

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