Chapter 233

When Luna’s mouth started running like a wildfire, I couldn’t help but wonder what Sivar and the rest were up to, excluding themselves.

First off, it’s a given that Erica was getting the beating of her life from Rize, and outside, things were predictably serious.

In front of a massive audience, someone was kicking up a divine power backlash. And it had to be someone who was quite the talk of the town.

So far, we’d managed to dodge any accusations thanks to our complete lack of connections and background. But not this time.

Without any background or ties, seeds of doubt began to sprout. It was bound to cause chaos.

The professors found themselves in the tightest spot. If Sivar was truly proven to be a demon, their positions would be in jeopardy.

No, it wasn’t just a matter of danger; they could literally be fired from the Academy. A recommended resignation would be the best-case scenario.

“What are we supposed to do now?”

In the meeting room filled with Academy professors, specifically those in charge of Sivar’s class, Yeonhwa spoke up with a worried voice. Her face was a portrait of anxiety and concern.

Even Sara, who usually occupied herself with petty bickering with her, wore a serious expression. That’s how serious the situation was.

“There’s nothing we can do right now. We just hope Sivar isn’t a demon.”

“Are we sure Sivar is definitely not a demon?”

In response to Malboro’s calm question, Godin shot back right away, his tone sharper than usual.

Malboro seemed to realize he had misspoken and rubbed his face as if trying to wipe away his slip. It wasn’t a sound judgment.

“…I don’t think Sivar is a demon either. No matter how you slice it, he’s not a demon.”

“Same here. If he were a demon, he would have caused chaos ages ago.”

“Plus, his skin color is pretty clear. Sure, it’s a bit… pale, but still.”

Even they couldn’t shake off the doubt. Their firm understanding of demons was deeply rooted in their minds.

Demons were colorless beings that needed to feed off others’ lives to sustain themselves; that was basic knowledge.

However, despite consuming a massive amount of food, Sivar never coveted anyone’s life. This was the key reason.

Also, judging by his usual demeanor, he was more akin to a child than a devil. Rather than a demon, he resembled a little troublemaker.

“There are plenty of oddities here. If he were a true demon, we would have noticed by now. But he’s been perfectly fine so far, right?”

“Not perfectly fine, though. Last time, he got his tongue cut out.”

“Oh.”

Malboro paused as he recalled that incident.

The timing couldn’t have been worse. Although no one lost their life, someone did get hurt, after all.

Moreover, Sivar’s past behavior couldn’t be called squeaky clean either. There were people directly hurt by him.

“He’s done plenty of things warranting a ‘demon’ label. From water torture to bomb vests. Not to mention various instances of destruction.”

“…But doesn’t that sound like stuff even normal people could do?”

“Sure, you can label anything as something. People will just see what they want to see.”

Sara had a point. This is the dangerous side of prejudice.

No matter what Sivar did, it was highly likely someone attached a label to it.

If he had laid low, they would have called him a scheming fiend. If he had good relationships, they would have found something else to nitpick about.

“We can’t do anything right now. The rumors have already spread throughout the Academy, and depending on the outcome, we might face disciplinary actions.”

“Ugh… what a mess…”

Yeonhwa mumbled quietly while holding her head. It wasn’t just her; everyone felt the same way.

The Academy’s professors were directly supported by the state. The moment they got fired, the government would deliver severe penalties.

The future looked bleak in every possible way. Their entire careers, built up until now, were on the line.

“…But isn’t it strange that I don’t actually feel mad at Sivar? Is that normal?”

“I feel the same way.”

“Me too.”

“Same here.”

Yet strangely, they couldn’t bring themselves to hate Sivar. Clearly, he was the root cause of all this.

The human heart is fickle; when faced with a crisis or an opportunity, it tends to change its mind. Resoluteness is therefore very rare.

So right now, blaming Sivar—or even Luna and Eli for bringing him into the mix—wouldn’t be out of line. It was within an understandable range.

“Even if he causes a ton of trouble…”

“You can’t exactly blame him since he’s too innocent, right?”

“Exactly. When I saw him playing kindly with my son, I just couldn’t bring myself to curse him.”

Still, they didn’t badmouth Sivar. No, they couldn’t.

If Sivar had acted with any malice, even in their hearts, they might have cursed him.

But no matter how much trouble he caused, he fundamentally meant well. He had a heart that cared for others.

Didn’t he cut off someone’s tongue out of loyalty to a friend? You can’t spit in someone’s face while wearing a smile.

“Plus, I heard he fainted after trying to eat a bug just to tease our son. You know that rumor?”

“Oh, you mean the one about him falling from the dorm because it hurt too much? Yeah, I know it well.”

“I was really surprised. It made me think he could actually feel pain.”

Furthermore, Sivar was way too human and pure to be labeled a demon.

He acted at the level of a child, despite being physically big. That’s enough to cause a headache.

In many ways, he was akin to a mascot. If Sivar wasn’t in the class, it would feel empty and bitter.

“I just hope this gets resolved…”

“The Gaia sect will send someone soon.”

“But isn’t it unnecessary to send someone when we have a Saint here?”

“That’s a bit confusing. I’ve also heard rumors that the Gaia sect and the Saint don’t get along well.”

Knock, knock—

Just as the professors were discussing what to do next, a knock echoed through the meeting room.

As the professors turned their heads to the door, a familiar voice came from the other side.

[Naise, may I come in?]

Upon hearing that, Malboro shot up from his chair and moved to the door. He wasn’t the only one; other professors also rose from their seats.

Eventually, Malboro opened the door to reveal Rod. He wore the same kind and gentle smile as always.

Rod gestured for the standing professors to sit down. Only then did they settle back into their chairs.

“Please, have a seat.”

“Thanks, but you really don’t need to do all this.”

“Not at all.”

Rod naturally took the main seat, glancing around the room.

Currently, only the professors from Sivar’s class were present. If other professors had joined, it would have been total chaos.

The Academy was a micro-society, and political power struggles existed among the professors. That’s why only these professors were called in.

“So, has anything been discussed? I’m all ears for anything.”

“…”

At Rod’s question, the professors began to glance at each other. The air was thick with tension.

No matter how friendly they were towards Sivar, they needed to differentiate things. Rod understood their feelings quite well.

Distant from politics as an outsider, he exerted pressure due to his authority, unlike them.

“…Director.”

“Speak up.”

“To be honest, we want to help Sivar. Every last one of us.”

At that moment, Malboro took the lead and spoke up. Rod nodded, urging him to continue.

With his dry lips moistened by his tongue, Malboro continued.

“We don’t think Sivar is a demon. Sure, he causes a ruckus, but there hasn’t been any malice involved. Just like with Professor Delphoi’s attempted assault and when he cut a student’s tongue.”

“The attempted assault is more like a kind of justice, wouldn’t you say?”

As Malboro spoke up, Yeonhwa chimed in. Other professors nodded in silent agreement.

Rod smiled more gently than before and said, “Even if Sivar really is a demon, would you defend him?”

“…”

Malboro hesitated to respond to that question. Defending a demon was utterly unthinkable.

No matter how peacefully he behaved, a demon was a clear foe to humanity.

Also, supporting a demon would completely undermine the very foundation of the Academy’s existence.

“No response.”

“…I’m sorry.”

“No need to apologize. I reckon everyone feels the same.”

Yet Rod was unfazed. In truth, that was the normal response.

Still, he was confident. Habitually reaching for some tea, he quickly pulled back.

“I think everyone’s forgetting something.”

“Something we’ve forgotten?”

“Yeah. Despite all the trouble Sivar has caused, do you remember what he did in the beginning?”

“…Destroy a building?”

Yeonhwa quietly spoke up. With the amount of destruction he’d caused, that was all she could think of.

Rod chuckled lightly, shaking his head. He then shared some enlightening words.

“No. Sivar climbed the monument. With his bare hands.”

“Oh.”

“Come to think of it…”

“That was indeed something.”

The monument was a magical tower erected to prevent demons from accessing it. Thanks to this tower, demons and undead couldn’t even approach.

Yet Sivar not only entered the Academy but also scaled that tower. Its existence had slipped their minds, given how natural it seemed.

“This alone should serve as evidence. Moreover, Sivar has received a blessing from Gulrak and can unleash lightning itself.”

“Lightning?”

“Is that the same kind of lightning we’re thinking about?”

Nods of confirmation from Rod sent the professors into a state of disbelief.

Sivar was already otherworldly, but he also boasted one of the strongest abilities—lightning. They had no idea what he was really made of.

“How do you know about this?”

“He bragged about gathering lightning and challenged me to a duel.”

“Ah…”

“Oh dear…”

That was a classic troublemaker response. Every professor thought the same.

It felt like a child getting a toy and challenging their parents to a swordfight.

Needless to say, a child can’t physically overpower their parents. They must have gotten a proper scolding.

“You did scold him, didn’t you?”

“I taught him some manners. Even returned his lightning.”

“Ha. Ha.”

Laughter was inappropriate. Smiling in such a serious atmosphere would feel out of place.

The professors each cleared their throats or suppressed their lips as best they could.

But given how vividly they could picture it, a few snorts inevitably slipped out.

“Anyway, we shouldn’t worry about Sivar being a demon. While it’s strange that he caused a divine power backlash, the other evidence is overwhelming.”

“Well, that’s… reassuring.”

“And both Rize and I will vouch for him. We should be able to pass this smoothly.”

That would put their minds at ease. The professors sighed in relief or closed their eyes, decompressing.

After all, it wasn’t just anyone—it was the Sword Saint and Saint. With them supporting Sivar, the Gaia sect wouldn’t be able to do anything.

“Anything else you want to say?”

“Not really.”

“Me neither.”

“Alright, then let’s call it a day.”

“Where are you going?”

There was no hesitation from Rod; he rose from his seat. At the same time, Malboro asked.

Rod responded with his characteristic warm smile.

“To the hospital.”

“The hospital? Are you going to see Sivar?”

“Yup.”

Rod directed his questioning tone toward Malboro.

“I’m scared he’s going to cause more trouble. I’m just a bundle of nerves.”

Perhaps his instinct was more accurate than Sivar’s innate abilities.

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