Chapter 221

Surprisingly, during my activities in the forest, I didn’t spot a single Hunter.

Even in Porori’s territory, there were no signs of any burglary. The influence of Porori still loomed large.

Moreover, there was something quite peculiar about Porori’s territory: there were tons of squirrels!

It seemed that Porori, being a squirrel, had taken it upon themselves to eliminate their natural enemies for the sake of their kin.

Of course, it wasn’t an outrageous number. Just the typical amount you’d see everywhere.

‘Otherwise, the ecosystem would be in shambles.’

If a specific species becomes overly abundant, it can destroy the ecosystem. It’s a natural occurrence.

I wondered if Porori grasped that, but they maintained a reasonable balance. As for me, I was just letting things be.

Anyway, I’ve treaded through the entire forest, so today’s work is done. I suppose classes start up again tomorrow.

“Oh, right. Kara.”

“Yes?”

“Is King Hector going to visit again this time?”

This was when we returned to Rod’s Residence. Luna had just finished training and asked Kara.

She seemed to have worked hard, as her hair was drenched in sweat, sticking to her face. She’d probably dash to wash up the moment we got back to the Dormitory.

In the meantime, Kara pondered Luna’s question for a moment before shrugging her shoulders.

“Well, I doubt it. Remember that Magic Stone Mine we discovered last time? It’s bigger than we thought, so he’ll be pretty busy.”

Thanks to that mine, I hit the jackpot with stocks. Just having those deposits could earn me a decent amount consistently.

And as she said, Hector wouldn’t be able to attend the exam this time. Not even in the Soul World.

No matter how important the Academy business is, he can’t ignore the chaos at his own house.

Especially with the contract issues that the Tartar civilization gets super sensitive about; it’d be tough even with two bodies.

“Really? That’s a shame.”

“Why the sudden disappointment? You’re not planning to ask our father for a Duel, are you?”

“Huh? How did you know?”

As Kara asked, she caught Luna off guard. The wide-eyed look on her face was quite adorable.

Kara smirked, as if thinking, “Of course,” and conveyed an expression of incredulity.

“Not a chance! Our father treats duels almost as if they were actual combat. Just like the rest of the Tartar tribe.”

“Is that so… Chancellor?”

“Speak up.”

Feeling a bit dejected, Luna called out to Rod. Unlike her, he didn’t seem to sweat a single drop.

His display outright showed the stark difference in skill levels. Shortly after, Luna asked.

“How far has my Skill progressed? Setting aside physical abilities, Skill is key.”

“Skill… can I use myself as a reference? Just excluding spatial-related Skills.”

“Sure. That’s fine.”

“Roughly about 50%, I’d say. At least, if we’re only considering Skills.”

That’s a pretty high figure. I mean, 50% of Rod’s skill level isn’t something to scoff at.

One might call it a miraculous growth, but that kind of result tends to happen in the Soul World with proper training.

However, there was something even more crucial to note…

“But it’s an unstable 50%. Without any practical experience, it’s hard to gauge accurately.”

“Is practical experience that important?”

“Absolutely necessary, even just to expand your adaptability. Otherwise, you’re just a means of self-defense.”

It all boils down to practical experience. Excluding monster hunting, Luna has none.

No matter how much you practice, real combat is a different beast. She’ll realize as much during the brawl, without having to venture far.

‘In a brawl, you need to think on your feet.’

Among Academy events, the brawl can be considered the closest to real combat. It’s not a 1v1 either but a free-for-all.

One can never predict when a fire or ice arrow might fly in, and with enemies all around, distinguishing friend from foe is a challenge.

It’ll be interesting to see whether Luna showcases her true power or becomes a frantic mess.

“But still, 50% is something. You haven’t even been learning that long.”

“Objectively, your talent is impressive. Most notably, your Diligence.”

“Hehe.”

With Rod complimenting her after Kara, Luna beamed. Compliments can make even a whale dance.

‘Everything is good, but that guy’s mouth is an issue.’

Fortunately, today was free of any jabbering nonsense. With training complete, the only thing left was to disband.

Just as I was about to tidy up and leave, Luna seemed to have realized something and asked me.

“By the way, Sivar, didn’t you gather any herbs today?”

“Huh? I didn’t gather any. Why?”

“I thought you’d go into the forest and gather some like yesterday. I was hoping you could lend me some herbs that are good for recovery.”

Up till this point, I thought that was reasonable. The issue lay with the fact that Kara was present.

Upon hearing Luna’s words, Kara seemed to sense something off and raised an eyebrow.

“Like yesterday? You’re saying you went into the forest yesterday too?”

“Yeah, I went with Eli yesterday.”

“Really…?”

“…..”

As those words left her mouth, Kara turned her head with a strange expression. Eli was on the other side, busy tidying up and seemingly unaware. Or perhaps she was just pretending not to know.

“Wow…what a sly fox.”

Kara muttered with implications. She said it quietly, but I heard every bit.

“Eli’s a fox? How so?”

“…..”

Looks like Luna heard that too. It’s just that she couldn’t help but articulate it.

As soon as Eli’s name was mentioned, she looked over with a puzzled expression.

“What did I do? I didn’t catch that last part.”

“I was just thinking of an animal that resembles you.”

“What animal do I resemble?”

“Well, I’m a lion, and Sivar’s a cat, you know?”

Thank goodness Kara handled Eli’s responses smoothly. She’s now adept at handling Luna’s constant chatter.

By the way, does she really see herself as a lion? It fits her aesthetics just right.

As for me… guess I’ve been treated like a pesky cat after causing so much trouble.

“So what animal do I resemble?”

“…..”

I stayed silent in response to that question. The only creature that came to mind when looking at Eli was a single species.

But saying it directly would probably make things awkward. Best to keep my mouth shut.

“…..A cow?”

Our Luna definitely wouldn’t let that slide. The moment she said it, an awkward tension filled the air.

I have to wonder if she realized the somewhat suggestive undertone of her comment. While bountiful, it definitely carried its fair share of implications.

However, much like Luna’s frankness, Eli’s personality wasn’t any easier.

Even being called a cow, she just smiled brightly and gleefully replied.

“That’s interesting! My classmates used to call me a cow, too.”

“Who?”

“Who?”

Both I and Kara asked simultaneously, with restrained anger written across our faces.

First, I ought to deal with those little brats. But curiously enough, it turned out I didn’t even need to.

As it turns out, Porori had already dealt with those classmates long ago. Not surprising; anyone who speaks of others so carelessly usually ends up in trouble.

“So what about me? What animal would I be?”

What could it be? There’s really only one for Luna.

“A parrot.”

“Why?”

Are you really asking me that?

*****

The next day broke and, as usual, we began classes… but just a morning session, nothing more.

As everyone knows, from today, Duel and Brawl events will take place. The Duels mainly cater to students who didn’t participate last semester.

Naturally, I won’t be participating. I had no grounds to join, nor was I particularly interested in the points.

The real brawl kicks off on Thursday. Friday is a rest day due to potential injuries from the brawl.

“Is there anything we need to be mindful of for the brawl?”

While dining at the buffet, Kara asked. Seemingly, she was concerned about the brawl as well.

After all, it’s a massive melee with three classes getting mixed up. Even Kara wouldn’t stand a chance against sheer numbers.

“Well… if there’s anything to be aware of, I guess it’s knowing who your opponents are?”

Grace, slicing her steak, shrugged and replied. Not the most definitive answer.

But that’s the best way to respond. You can never predict what’ll happen in a brawl.

Collecting information about your opponents to strategize is the best tactic.

“Though that might not help you, Sivar.”

“That much is true.”

It’s rare to see Kara and Grace vibing well together. Luna is… well, she’s just silently munching on her food.

You might say they trust me too much, but the brawl is a field I’m confident in.

No matter how strong someone is, they can still fall to a blind arrow in a brawl. It’s unavoidable.

But unlike a common fighter, I have a body that regenerates quickly even after taking hits.

‘Not that my body is as tough as steel like others.’

Examples like Gwonseong and Rize come to mind. If I’m as tough as steel, they’re even tougher.

Even when I struck them with my axe, it barely left a mark. I was amazed at how I hardly made a dent.

‘There can’t possibly be another person like that.’

Is there truly such a thing? Sounds like a sign of impending doom.

Rize makes even demons cry like helpless little girls. To think there’s another one like her is genuinely terrifying.

‘…Actually, there’s just one that’s a bit concerning.’

Suddenly, a pink-haired nun flashed through my mind.

I don’t know what she did during the vacation, but her chest has certainly grown larger than before.

She gave Kara a blunt truth and caused Luna’s mental state to spiral into confusion with her chaotic chatter.

I had advised her to seek counsel from Rize, and she seemed to have transformed.

‘Guess I’ll find out during the brawl.’

Sooner or later, I’ll discover what has changed. For now, let’s focus on eating.

“What is that?”

Just then, I heard Luna’s voice with a mix of confusion.

Looking at her, I saw she had a perplexed expression, as if asking what that was.

I followed her gaze, and then came across an utterly ridiculous sight.

“Whoa… is that seriously just all vegetables and fruits?”

“Sivar, even you don’t eat that much…”

“….”

As Kara and Grace had assessed, there was a mountain made entirely of food.

More specifically, it was a mountain made solely of vegetables and fruits. They were piled high on a platter.

I mean, the sheer volume was so overwhelming that it seemed ridiculous. Even I would struggle to eat that much; who can manage to consume all that?

‘Who could it be?’

Curiosity piqued, I decided to discreetly get up from my seat. I was just going to check who that was and come right back.

After a few steps, I spotted a very familiar back. First, the pink hair stood out; no doubt about it.

“….Erica?”

“Mm?”

As I quietly called her name, the person eating turned to face me. Those pink eyes confirmed it was indeed Erica.

She looked surprised when she recognized me and then cheerfully exclaimed.

“Oh! Sivar! Hi there! Have you had your meal yet?”

“I’m in the middle of it. But…”

I gestured toward the mountain of veggies and fruits, asking.

“Are you going to eat all of that?”

“Yep! Is there a problem?”

“….”

What is she, an elephant?

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