Chapter 216

“Is this kid a genius or what?”

After the practice ended, Malboro uttered this while assessing the situation.

The other professors nodded in agreement, recognizing the undeniable truth.

“It was already suspicious when he cracked the code with just a few communications. Plus, I hear he created the code himself.”

“His adaptability in crucial moments was remarkable too. He instructed to send false communications using a messenger.”

“That was the most surprising part for me. He knows exactly when to use force to completely turn the tide of battle.”

The professors could at least guess that Sivar was exceptionally sharp.

Not too long ago, during the midterms, he showcased his water torture techniques, bomb vests, and even a Meteor Storm.

These were all his own inventions, not something he’d seen somewhere else, demonstrating his impressive improvisation skills.

“Maybe he’s just really curious because he’s super smart? Aren’t all geniuses like that?”

“Oh, that could be it.”

Through this practice, it became clear that Sivar was not just good at thinking on his feet but was also sharp in general.

Of course, from Sivar’s perspective, the code was decoded effortlessly, but to others, he might as well have been a genius.

“Besides, they say all geniuses are a bit quirky, right? Maybe all those odd behaviors are part of it?”

“I don’t think that’s the case.”

“He’s just a troublemaker, that’s all.”

But a troublemaker is still a troublemaker. Even if he’s genius, Sivar’s still a troublemaker.

Fortunately, he didn’t cause any major incidents today, but who knows what kind of trouble he might stir up in the future.

Moreover, with signs of genius starting to show, there’s a chance he could unleash some outrageous chaos.

“If he’s this skilled, just imagine what he could become with proper training… might end up being more impressive than we think.”

“Plus, he has a great network. He’s connected with the Saint and is friendly with the dean. What a catch!”

“It means at heart he’s a good person. If he were bad, everyone would’ve kept their distance.”

The professors were certainly having a hard time with Sivar, but it wasn’t like they disliked him.

First off, the fact that he didn’t slack off in class and stayed focused was a major plus.

Other students often doze off or blatantly zone out, but Sivar has never done that.

The same went for afternoon training and practice. While he occasionally caused unexpected trouble, he dutifully followed the professors’ instructions.

So there’s no reason not to be fond of him. The professors treated Sivar like a cute cat they couldn’t quite resent.

“If it weren’t for the demerits, he’d be in first place. How many points has Sivar racked up so far?”

“Definitely overwhelming. But he lost a quarter of them due to property damage.”

“So roughly around what place does that put him…”

Malboro flipped through the pages to check Sivar’s standing. Kara was in first place, Luna in second, and Grace in third.

Sivar was in fifth place, but as mentioned earlier, he lost that position due to too many demerits.

For reference, Elvin was in fourth. He’s quiet but consistent, managing to secure fourth place.

“Fifth place, huh? I bet he could climb to third with this practice.”

“The contributions he made were massive. Basically, he did it all by himself.”

From the professors’ perspective, not knowing Sivar’s abilities made it easy to give him high scores.

He cracked the code all alone, plus the clever tactics and force he displayed at critical moments. There’s nothing he lacks.

“Now all that’s left is the brawl, right? What’s that gonna look like?”

“Is there really anything we can do about it? We’re just going to have to watch.”

Next week, there’s gonna be an event replacing the midterms—duels and brawls.

This won’t just be a one-on-one between classmates; other classes will be involved too. The notable aspect isn’t the duels, but the brawl.

The brawl, as the name implies, will show some rules, with each class sending in five participants to fight.

Furthermore, as they fight, after a certain time, more people will join in.

“Our class is bound to win, right? Honestly, even I can see there’s a major power difference.”

“That seems accurate.”

The professors firmly believed their class would come out on top. Honestly, there’s a huge power gap.

While there are talented and skilled individuals in other classes, none are a match for Sivar.

He’s like a massive tidal wave, a disaster waiting to happen. One fault could bring the whole thing down.

“What we really need to worry about is how much we hurt the opponent and if he doesn’t pull any strange stunts.”

“Arrogant but true.”

“I guess the hospital is going to be busy.”

The brawl is an exam that’s somewhat out of the professors’ hands. The academy is overseeing the whole thing.

Besides, just like the last semester’s duels, important figures will come to spectate. The chances of manipulation are very low.

“But there are some worries I can’t shake.”

“Ah, are you referring to the Saint’s disciple?”

Malboro’s words quickly caught Godin’s attention. Malboro nodded in agreement.

“There have been troubling rumors floating around lately. Plus, there are whispers that the Saint personally taught them. They may have a shot at defeating Sivar.”

“Hey, I hate to say it, but Sivar is a beast, a real beast. Kara lost to him, after all.”

Lee Yeonhwa refuted the claim. Sivar is the kind of guy who had beaten even someone with as much combat experience as Kara.

So, there’s no student who could possibly beat Sivar. She was certain of that.

Malboro didn’t seem to want to argue either, shrugging his shoulders.

“Well, I guess that’s true.”

*****

After practice, I had a quick meal before heading back to the dorms with Grace.

Grace said she’d wash up first and went inside. I sat quietly until she finished.

‘Next week is the brawl.’

The brawl is often regarded as the most chaotic event in the Soul World. I say chaotic, not complicated.

If it were a one-on-one battle between classes, it wouldn’t be a concern, but now three classes are going to clash.

With this, you never know what might come flying in from where. This is why it’s called a brawl.

‘While the brawl is one thing, what happens afterward is crucial.’

Guests from last semester’s duels will visit during the brawl too. What does this mean?

It signifies that an event related to Danyerin, the princess of the Hwan Empire, is about to happen. Assassination threats are likely imminent.

Danyerin will converse with someone from the Hwan Empire and later that night, an assassin will ambush her.

That too, in the dead of night when everyone is asleep. You might guess, but Yeohye will be the one threatening Danyerin.

‘I’ve dropped the bait, so won’t they take some action?’

Danyerin is smart; she will withstand until I arrive. But you never know how things can go.

After this, well, I’ll also need to prepare for the final exam. After the finals, the grand episode will unfold.

There’s still plenty of time. As long as I handle the magic circles left in the stock exchange, I should be at ease.

‘Also, I need to check if the Hunter is coming.’

The Hunter can’t enter the academy, as they are a demon. In other words, it means they need to go to the forest.

Rod warned me to stay away from the forest, but I need to confirm something. Why is the Hunter coming?

Is it truly to catch Porori, or do they have other intentions? It’s an issue, especially since it’s a demon, not just any other being.

‘Demons can control monsters.’

The greatest factor in the academy’s collapse, after demons, is monsters.

Even I can’t contend with that. If the demons are serious, there’s no escape.

I shook my head after going through a lot of thoughts. For now, I’ll just focus on the upcoming brawl.

‘Well, honestly, there’s not much to think about.’

The brawl is a perfect environment for me. I can just smash whatever comes my way.

The only worry is Erica. Traditionally, Erica is a healer and isn’t particularly useful in a brawl.

But something feels different this time. While she’s still the same docile creature, it feels like her nature has changed somewhat.

It might just be a misconception, so I guess I’ll find out next week.

Squeak-

“Phew. I’m all washed up, Sivar!”

“Yeah.”

Grace, freshly scrubbed, came out dressed accordingly. Naturally, it’s not like we’re a married couple or anything—she’s not just in her underwear or wrapped in a towel. We’re still keeping it respectful.

“So, shall we have a delightful study session today?”

“… …”

I didn’t want to study; that much was clear. But with Grace being so firm about it, I reluctantly agreed.

If it were up to me, I’d want to push for some exercise, but she had just washed up, and after today’s practice, she must be tired.

As usual, I did my studying and then lay down comfortably on the same bed with Grace.

“Zzz…

Of course, only Grace drifted off. As soon as I noticed she was in a deep sleep, I carefully slipped away.

For a moment, Grace’s arms flailed, but once I offered her a pillow, she fell back to sleep instantly, even burying her face in it.

There was a smile on her lips. When sleeping, her usual sharp demeanor was nowhere to be seen.

Now that Grace was fast asleep, my next step was the balcony. I made my way there.

“You arrived.”

Upon reaching the balcony, Danyerin greeted me as if she had been waiting. I waved back in response.

In her hand was a drink we frequently enjoy together, which she drank every night without fail.

‘I want to ask if she drinks too often… but it’s unavoidable.’

For Danyerin, liquor is a necessity for getting to sleep.

If not, the anxiety makes it hard for her to catch any shuteye. Similar to, but different from, Grace’s reason.

“What happened today was impressive. I got to see your rumored weaponry firsthand.”

“Strong, right?”

“Stronger than I imagined. I think you’re even tougher than our empire’s generals.”

Stronger than a general? That’s quite the compliment coming from Danyerin.

Generals in the Hwan Empire are higher-ranking than captains, known for their formidable power.

Having bested the Destroyer, Hector, it’s half-true. I didn’t bother to refute it.

“Just to confirm, are you the one who decoded the code?”

“Yeah.”

“I thought so. Then you were also the one who pinpointed the Uncertain Ground location during the final battle?”

“Yep, that was me.”

“How on earth did you figure that out? I couldn’t make sense of it at all.”

I kindly answered Danyerin’s question. Honestly, that method is quite famous.

It’s basically a fishing tactic, but it was effectively used in WWII, especially in the Battle of Midway.

With that one battle, Japan lost its offensive and the counter-offensive from the U.S. began; it couldn’t help but become famous.

“That kind of method… could serve as a textbook case. In the future, communications will be utilized in various ways.”

“It’d be tough without messengers.”

“That’s true. But it’s a method you’d likely resort to in a decisive moment.”

The overly high praise made me feel a bit awkward. Guess I need to drink some more.

“Next week’s the brawl… what do you think?”

“About what?”

“Do you have confidence in doing well?”

“Absolutely.”

“Heh, I’ve asked a silly question.”

Danyerin chuckled softly. It was a deeper, more genuine smile than usual.

Once the brawl is over, she’ll likely face assassination threats. Starting with Yeohye, followed by Lee Yeon-joo.

Lee Yeon-joo will be the next to threaten Danyerin after Yeohye. I have to ensure she emerges unscathed but must tread carefully.

‘I just hope neither of them gets hurt.’

Just then, I was pulled away by my thoughts.

“…Sivar?”

A familiar voice pierced through the night, making me jump as I turned around.

“Who are you… talking to?”

Maybe it was the nighttime, but Grace was staring at me with dark, deadpan eyes.

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