Chapter 211

After Porori was attacked by the Hunter, I summoned Rod and Luna to explain the situation.

Eli was also present, being Porori’s owner (or perhaps master), so she needed to understand what was going on.

“A demon with blue hues, complete invisibility… That’s quite dangerous.”

“Didn’t you say demons can detect their surroundings? Then isn’t that extremely dangerous?”

Luna, upon hearing the explanation, voiced her concern in a serious tone.

Her point was absolutely valid; Hunters are among the most dangerous kinds of assassins.

With the inherent traits of demons making detection nearly impossible, they can vanish entirely.

This meant they could easily assassinate anyone, even an emperor, if they set their mind to it.

“That is dangerous. But that’s why they wouldn’t strike too easily.”

“What do you mean by that?”

“The technique of invisibility requires intense concentration. Moreover, it’s not that they disappear completely, so they’re quite susceptible to detection magic.”

Rod was right. At first glance, the Hunter’s abilities might seem overpowered.

However, they do have a significant weakness against detection magic. Unless they neutralize the magic, they’ll be detected without fail.

It’s not like there’s no way to counteract this, as I did temporarily by spilling blood. Defense is certainly possible.

“With such power, they must hesitate until the very end. Losing that kind of force would be a massive loss. However, if they have that level of stealth, it’s certain they’ve been around for a long time.”

“Don’t you think we need to be on guard?”

“The Academy is protected by the Monument, making it impossible for demons to approach. The outskirts of the Forest is the best they can manage.”

Thanks to the presence of the Monument, the Academy remains safe from demons.

While I’m not entirely sure of the detailed principles behind it, the Monument was neutralized at the time of the Academy’s collapse.

After that, well, hell broke loose. For now, we should be safe from demons until that day comes.

“Is the Monument what prevents demons from approaching?”

“I’m not completely sure since it’s been so long, but I’ve heard it blocks lifeless beings. This means it can prevent not only demons but also undead.”

“······?”

Just then, while Rod was answering Eli’s question, Luna blinked as if sensing something strange.

She started looking at me with a questioning expression.

‘Why is she looking at me?’

Is it possible she thinks I have something to do with demons? What is she seeing?

Or maybe she was questioning why I was perfectly wielding the Bloodied Greatsword.

She must have vaguely picked up on my unusual constitution while reading the description of the Bloodied Greatsword.

‘But that doesn’t mean I’m a demon.’

My heart beats just fine, and my color is vivid.

Sure, my skin might be unusually pale, and my eyes could appear somewhat red, but that doesn’t make me a demon.

I just look like someone you’d see anywhere. Plus, I’ve been steadily accumulating Divine Power.

“For the time being, Ratatosk will have to stay in your dormitory, Eli. It’s dangerous to stay in the Forest any longer, especially after that demon encounter.”

“Sure, I’ll do that.”

“And you, Sivar, try to avoid entering the Forest whenever possible.”

“······Yes.”

I responded a beat late. I needed to visit the Forest for herbs, after all.

Of course, I would have to be fully prepared against ambushes. Even Hunters aren’t infallible.

The bigger threat lies with those above them: the demons that led to the Academy’s collapse, while still possessing blue hues, just like Rod.

I wanted to gather information about them at all costs, but opportunities didn’t come by easily.

‘Should I lure the Hunters out instead…?’

Or I could secretly tell Luna; she knew my secret to some extent.

Afterward, we shared various stories before dispersing.

“Sivar.”

“Yeah?”

“You mentioned you climbed the Monument with your bare hands, right?”

Then Luna asked me. It was one of my reckless deeds right after entering the Academy.

Climbing without any magic was quite tough. I vaguely remembered being scolded by Rod then.

“Yeah, why?”

“Um… never mind.”

Luna seemed to hesitate for a moment before brushing it off. If anything, it felt a bit anticlimactic.

I simply tilted my head and let it go. However, my mind was still filled with thoughts of the Monument.

‘What if climbing it now grants me faith?’

I had a passing thought, but—

“If you do that again, I’ll personally knock down the Monument, so keep that in mind.”

“··· ···”

Rod declared firmly, folding his arms.

******

After a tumultuous weekend, the weekday returned once more.

That meant it was time for classes at the Academy. Despite the beneficial nature of the classes, I usually just let them pass by.

After all, during practical sessions, I’d just sweep everything away. Other students were likely feeling the same way.

“Cryptology is one of the crucial studies. Especially you will soon become talented individuals under the nation’s watchful eye, so it’s essential to learn.”

The squinting magician, Godin, was passionately lecturing. I paid careful attention to Godin’s class, unlike others.

If I didn’t, I might miss out on the magic I would obtain later. Now that I think about it, I’m curious about Jane’s collaboration.

I should probably visit her soon and check on the progress while also confirming Godin’s magic.

“The world has various languages, and corresponding codes exist for each. Magic can also incorporate a kind of code. If you do that, you could throw your opponent into great confusion.”

This was quite valuable information and content that needed careful consideration. For wizards to rise to the top tiers, they must be proficient in cryptology.

While frontline mages need to respond to dangers rather than focus on codes, those in the rear lines do not have that luxury.

In this world, language is magic. Therefore, without setting a code, security can easily be breached.

‘The barriers and formations operated on those principles, right?’

Closer to mathematics than language, but let’s overlook that. Otherwise, the need to use a specific language remains unchanged.

Regardless, the more magic develops, the more naturally cryptology must evolve alongside.

Consequently, the ability to decipher information becomes invaluable. In the Soul World, it was treated as a kind of “puzzle.”

‘I really strained my brain over that puzzle.’

If it were a riddle, it might have been easier; instead, the puzzle’s difficulty was challenging to the point I felt a headache coming on.

Should I say it’s a matter of intellect? Even if I could solve it, not knowing the local language rendered it meaningless.

Because of this, having a diverse set of backgrounds became crucial for an easy future. Especially in the East, where the language structure is different, one is a must.

“But cryptography is most useful for communications. Even if intercepted, if codes are mixed in, it would take considerable time to interpret. For the sake of buying time, codes are essential.”

“Professor, does that mean it doesn’t matter if we don’t understand the opponent’s language?”

“Not quite. Codes are based on one’s own language. You’ll need to decipher and interpret afterward.”

Decoding a code essentially means obtaining information. Information holds immeasurable value.

To grasp a single piece of information, you need to collect clues dispersed everywhere, and what of codes?

If you can decode, you can gulp down whole portions of information. Meaning you could turn the tide of battle entirely.

‘Well, how it’s used makes a difference too.’

Of course, this simply raises the odds; it doesn’t guarantee a gain.

One could miss the timing due to delays in decoding, or perhaps fall victim due to sheer incompetence.

Yet knowing your enemy and yourself assures victory, and simply knowing is an incredible boon.

“That’s it for today’s class. However, this Friday, we have a practical session scheduled. It’ll involve the cryptography we learned today.”

“Practical session?”

“Another practical, huh?”

Students groaned at the mention of a practical session. And understandably so, considering what I was set to gulp down.

Until now, I had been struggling against this, but that was no longer the case. I had firmly planted myself in the upper tiers.

Though it wasn’t that it didn’t make sense, I felt somewhat guilty because everyone seemed powerless compared to me.

“Teams will be divided into two, and the theme is domination. The rules are quite simple: Who can dominate the most locations out of a total of ten?”

“It’s a given that Sivar’s team will win.”

Upon hearing the explanation, Kara muttered with a smirk. While it’s embarrassing, it’s half-true.

In the face of overwhelming strength, intellect means little. This has been my reality so far.

“Have the professors given up?”

“Well, let’s hear the rules first. I sure hope I’m not on the same team as you. It’s never happened so far.”

Kara grumbled her complaints. Now that I think about it, I have never been on the same team as Kara.

They probably aimed for balance, but it feels more like I’m being discriminated against. I want to be on the same team with her as well.

“I’m sorry, but Kara, you’ll just have to endure. Balancing things is unavoidable, right?”

“You get teamed up every time, don’t you? I’m so envious.”

“Hmph.”

On the other hand, Grace was on a team with me every time. The same goes for exams and practical sessions.

I found it curious whether it was pure luck or if the professors were arranging it on purpose.

We were even going to be living together, so it was destined we’d end up as a team.

“This practical session is based more on strategy rather than raw strength. The time taken to dominate depends on the number of people involved.”

“Uh-huh?”

“Simply put, it takes longer for one person to dominate, but the more people there are, the shorter the time taken to do so. Think of it as a kind of territory game.”

However, after hearing Godin’s rules, my thinking shifted a little. Others seemed to feel similar as they murmured and exchanged opinions—suggesting it could work.

Indeed, domination was more important here than brute force in this practical session.

“Furthermore, the distance between the command unit and the occupied area is considerable. Thus, the importance of communication becomes paramount, just like with codes.”

“··· ···”

The more I listened, the more I found myself nodding. This arrangement made solo actions inefficient.

If I dominate a location, the moment I leave, another team could snatch it away.

But it’s also awkward to stay glued in one spot like a ghost. While the front line is important, strategizing from the command unit is even more critical.

‘The professors really put some thought into this.’

Just like last time’s final exams, where they treated me like a siege weapon, they were trying to maintain balance.

Moreover, the last final wasn’t exactly dependent on me; my team was way too strong. The rascals were already slacking off by then.

Above all, it’s fascinating to see how my existence alters what I once knew about the future. I wonder what rules will follow next.

“Cryptography won’t be decided unilaterally by me; it’ll be made through consensus within the team. We’ll borrow time on Thursday afternoon for that. Now, let’s announce the teams.”

I focused on Godin’s announcement. After all, no matter what, teams are essential.

Strategies are one thing, but without solid weapons to execute them, it’s all meaningless.

Naturally, it was pretty clear who I’d be teamed up with. Just by looking at Kara’s sour face and Grace’s confident grin, I could guess.

But, as the saying goes, no one can predict the course of events; the names Godin called out delivered a refreshing shock to us.

“Team 1: Karas, Luna Estelle, Sivar, Kara Meyer Hector’s daughter, Grace Aria del Verche… (omitted)”

“What?”

“That’s the team?”

“Are you kidding? This makes no sense!!”

This wasn’t Avengers; that was simply a total balance break. The other students seemed to agree, erupting in outrage.

They were completely blindsided by the outcome, and Kara practically wore a vacant look. Is this really happening?

Still, her lips were twitching; it seemed she was rather pleased to be on a team with me.

“······Even so, doesn’t this make it pointless?”

“True. This seems too extreme…”

Even those on the same team voiced their confusion. Just what were the professors thinking when pairing us like this?

Godin maintained a smirk despite the fierce backlash, seemingly amused. He had a plan in mind.

“Alright, alright. Calm down. As I mentioned earlier, this is a battle of wits. Moreover, if you don’t follow the commands from the command unit, your strategy could unravel. Collaboration is key.”

“Collaborate? It’s more like a tiger among a herd of sheep.”

Antonio grumbled from the back. That’s a spot-on analogy, if there ever was one.

But, as I said before, no one knows how things will play out.

“Oh, by the way, there’s one thing I almost forgot.”

Godin clapped his hands to grab our attention.

He then shot a glance my way, keeping that cheeky smile as he spoke.

“For this practical session, the usage of the common language is strictly prohibited.”

“······?”

As soon as I heard that rule, I blinked in surprise.

“······I’m the only one who speaks our country’s language…?”

It seemed I wasn’t the only one in a similar situation.

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