Chapter 163

There was an unexpected commotion, but thankfully it was handled well.

As soon as Rod saw my severed wrist, he scolded me for a moment before promptly retrieving my hand.

It was such a clean cut that reattaching it felt like putting on a prosthetic. Thank goodness for my regeneration ability.

“Ugh. This is my oversight. I can’t blame your curiosity,” he said.

“Is it supposed to be like this?”

“Indeed. Let me explain the principle behind it.”

Rod began to draw on the dirt floor with his sword as he explained.

“Let’s say there’s a space divided by a wall. To cross over to the other side, spatial movement is essential.”

He mentioned cutting through space, connecting it to the other area, or even teleporting. There are many methods.

“But if it gets interrupted halfway, you’re bound to suffer damage. Unless one can manipulate space, that is.”

“That’s because my hand was in that space.”

“Precisely.”

If a wizard fails a teleportation or blink or warp, they don’t get shredded to bits. Failure just means it didn’t activate.

However, Rod’s spatial slicing is different. It directly interferes with the laws of the world, hence it carries significant risk.

“Would it be difficult to understand this theoretically?” Luna asked, likely curious after witnessing the risks involved with space cutting.

I didn’t think I would reach that level. My martial arts experience barely extended to basic fighting.

Conversely, Luna was nearly a master. While the future seemed far off, she could certainly become strong enough.

“Theoretically, yes. It’s something you have to learn through sensation, not intellect.”

“What kind of sensation?”

“Imagine the sensation of becoming the sky. Not looking at the world with your eyes, but rather seeing yourself from above.”

So, does that mean the first-person perspective changes to a third-person perspective? I think I get the gist.

Still, I had no clue how that was related to spatial cutting. It felt like a long road ahead.

Moreover, Rod was already absurdly strong, even without that. A regular punch from him would probably surpass another person’s ultimate move.

“Well, enough small talk. Let’s move on to the checkpoint. And Sivar.”

“Yeah?”

“If you’re unsure about doing something, try not to. It’s best to get permission whenever possible.”

“···”

Since I caused such a significant incident, Rod was treating me like a child. I felt like I had heard something similar in the military.

I nibbled at my discontent, knowing it was a serious situation and I had no right to complain.

“Don’t hold too much resentment. The Chancellor is also worried about you.”

“Still.”

“If you want something to eat, just tell me. I’ll get it for you.”

Kara was the only one who understood my feelings. How does she know me so well?

As I sparkled with excitement, Kara returned my gaze with a refreshing smile, even pinching my cheek for good measure.

“By the way, your hand is completely healed, right?”

Kara pointed to my neatly reattached hand.

It was hard to believe that I had ever been severed; the recovery was that impressive.

Instead of answering her question, I demonstrated my recovery by spinning my wrist and twisting my fingers.

For anyone else, recovery might take months of therapy, but not for me. I healed quickly enough to engage in strenuous activities.

“It’s amazing every time I see it. How high must your regeneration be? You really aren’t human, are you?”

“I’m definitely human.”

“Sure, sure. Chaos would never choose someone who isn’t human.”

Putting aside everything else, the fact that Chaos chose me was enough on its own.

Sometimes I questioned whether I truly was human, but after meeting Rize, it dawned on me.

Oh, at least I’m within the realm of humanity. Rize is the one I truly have doubts about.

“You might want to visit the Life Temple just in case. Even a proper attachment might lead to nerve issues.”

“Right.”

Now that this had happened, I was planning to visit temples like Luna did. There were numerous questions I wanted to ask.

However, I wasn’t holding high expectations. While I could directly converse, it would only be with a very select few.

No need to mention Chaos. Since it has no form, direct conversation is nearly impossible.

Only someone like Rize would likely allow for any form of dialogue. After all, she came to the Academy in search of me.

‘Is Gulrak the one with the highest likelihood of responding?’

Sure, I’d probably get zapped a few times, but once I start asking confirmation questions, it should work out.

Plus, Kara would be alongside me, so I couldn’t go completely wild. I definitely cherish her above all else.

“We’re almost there. That’s the Byzantine checkpoint.”

Before long, we reached the Byzantine checkpoint. Given the era, a massive stone wall stood behind the checkpoint.

Unlike typical walls, it was almost pure white. One of Byzantine’s nicknames is the “Land of Pure White,” and this is likely its origin.

“Oh, it’s you, the esteemed Sword Saint. I received news from the Saint. Please, go ahead.”

“Thanks for your help.”

The checkpoint was essentially a free pass. It seemed Rize had given prior notice; they let Rod through as soon as they spotted him.

We then smoothly passed through a doorway meant for pedestrians instead of the main gates.

Upon entering, the first sight was a pristine white similar to the walls. The entire city seemed to radiate purity.

“Do you see that tall building in the center? That’s the Papal Palace. It’s also where the Chaos Temple is located. On both sides, there are temples for the various gods.”

“The Papal Palace, but it’s also the Chaos Temple?”

“That’s due to Byzantine’s history. Chaos helped gods of opposing natures coexist.”

As Rod mentioned, it wouldn’t be surprising if countries dedicated to various gods emerged. However, this is also characteristic of Byzantine.

Instead of taking a specific god as the state religion, it was more like a civilization founded to honor the gods. The whole nation could be viewed as a temple or altar in that regard.

“Well, life and destruction are opposites, so it’s tough for them to coexist. Chaos has significantly impacted history in many ways.”

“Exactly.”

When you look at the history of this world, certain points of significance are often mentioned. Most notably, there’s a probability that they were worshippers of the Chaos deity.

Many who made profound contributions to human history or proposed incomprehensible ideas were often those individuals.

Just like the geniuses of the century, they were mocked as “heretics,” only to leave a significant legacy later.

‘But how do they know they were Chaos worshippers?’

Unless there’s a proper record left in history, it’s very ambiguous.

One can’t ascertain whether they were truly chosen by Chaos, and it remains a matter of simple conjecture.

From the onset, their position was somewhat uncertain. Unless one had a considerable interest in religion, most would only think of Gaia and Gulrak.

‘Chaos is truly chaos in every sense.’

Though it’s called chaos, there are many ambiguous aspects. There isn’t even a doctrine to refer to, just a reliance on human will.

Even the “evil” perpetrated by humans is welcomed by a deity if it meets the conditions. Rize’s beliefs are almost violent.

At least it’s fortunate that those stripped of their humanity are disliked. Chaos doesn’t even glance at those who have lost their human heart.

“Hm? That woman has a bronzed skin tone?”

“Yeah. Isn’t bronzed skin unique to the Tartar people?”

Just as we were walking toward the Papal Palace, I overheard whispers along the way.

Kara caught the most attention, likely due to her skin tone being so distinctive.

While my skin is quite pale, it isn’t as striking as Kara’s.

“Are you coming to visit Gulrak’s temple?”

“That would be the case. Tartar has made Gulrak their state religion.”

“Maybe they’re moving here? Our country is known as a great place to live.”

No discriminatory remarks were directed at Kara. Only pure curiosity filled the voices.

Even Kara, who had been eavesdropping, looked a bit flabbergasted. It seemed like she had never encountered interest in that manner before.

‘This is probably the first time she’s heard about moving.’

In fact, Byzantine is often regarded as a great place to live. Unless related to demons, conflict is rare.

While the military strength may seem weak compared to other nations, their national power is robust. Most religious authority is concentrated in Byzantine.

Throughout history, any narrative linked to religion holds considerable weight. Labeling them “heretics” automatically turns them into public enemies.

Tartar has certainly reaped the benefits from this privilege. Otherwise, it would have long been annihilated.

“Byzantine was established after the hero defeated the Demon King, correct?”

“That’s right. At the same time, the Academy was founded. That’s why it’s so close to Byzantine.”

“It’s getting more profound the more I look. But… ”

Before long, we could reach the Papal Palace. I followed closely, avoiding any incidents along the way.

From a distance, the appearance of the Papal Palace appeared quite ordinary. A grand cathedral, speaking to its elevated status.

“Did Chaos lack a flair for design?”

Luna threw a half-hearted critique at the entrance of the Papal Palace. Rod cracked a wry smile in response.

Well, it made sense since the entrance was… rather ominous.

Far from being white, it was drenched in black. There were even torches set up along the path leading to the entrance.

It was a blessing it was daytime; otherwise, stepping inside would feel like entering a dungeon. The atmosphere was truly bizarre.

“This wasn’t done by Chaos, but constructed by a follower of that deity. You’ll need to ask that person.”

“The atmosphere is quite fitting. It aligns well with the name ‘Chaos.’”

“But why build it like this…? It’s just bizarre.”

Unlike Kara, who let it slide, Luna still couldn’t comprehend. She was openly muttering things that probably shouldn’t be said aloud.

Is this why Chaos dislikes Luna? I found myself pondering while witnessing Luna tilt her head in confusion and eventually had a lightbulb moment.

What if it was due to Ragnarok? Since it’s a weapon imbued with Chaos’ will, the response should vary accordingly.

I pulled out Ragnarok and held it against Luna’s arm. I was genuinely curious if Chaos would reveal its will.

Zzzzap!!

“Ugh!!”

This time, an entirely different reaction erupted, far surpassing mere sparks. Luna’s body squirmed like a fish out of water.

Thud—

Just when I began to wonder if Chaos genuinely had an aversion to Luna, she collapsed to the ground, unable to withstand the sudden lightning.

Unlike me, she had no tolerance for it. She should’ve been “grilled” by lightning at least once like I had.

“…What are you doing?”

“Why in the world…?”

Both Kara and Rod reacted with disbelief at my actions.

They looked like they couldn’t comprehend my behavior rather than rushing to chastise me.

I glanced between Luna, writhing on the ground, and the two of them, then quietly replied.

“I didn’t do anything.”

“Then who did?”

Kara asked, eyeing Ragnarok. Upon reflection, lightning is Gulrak’s power, isn’t it?

Even though Chaos might have wanted to zap Luna out of spite, Gulrak probably had input as well.

However, I couldn’t brush it off solely as Gulrak’s fault. Right in front of him was Gulrak’s favorite person.

So what kind of excuse should I offer? I rolled my eyes before finally speaking up.

“Uh, it was Chaos.”

“Chaos? You’re saying it was Chaos who did it?”

“Yeah.”

Really, that might just be the case, huh.

[Your faith is rising!]

I guess it really was.

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