Chapter 28

What’s the most annoying thing in the world? It’s when you’re given something and then suddenly it’s taken away.

Living a tough life in the forest and losing my language isn’t something I’m too worried about.

I can just brush it off as, “Wow, I’ve really been through some hardships.” The key point here is the God of Chaos, Chaos.

I’m guessing he’s the one who made me lose my language but gave me the ability to survive in the forest instead.

If that’s all there is to it, I can deal with it. But it really ticks me off that he gives me language at night, just to take it away again.

“Shivar, want to read this?”

“Eli.”

“Wow! You can finally talk!”

Considering all that give and take, it’s not too bad.

I can’t say more than two syllables, but I can at least read one letter out loud.

That’s already a huge achievement because it means I’m slowly moving away from being a wildling.

“Want to read this sentence?”

“Shit.”

“Hmm, sentences are tough, huh?”

Though if I try to read a long sentence all at once, “shit” is bound to pop out.

With Porori beside me, I might as well ask for a translation instead of painstakingly reading it letter by letter.

“So, friend. Did you ask the sky for this to happen?”

“Hun.”

“Not the sky, but chaos? Who the heck is that?”

With just that one letter, Porori understood, which seems to suggest that it’s not about conversation but ‘intent’ being communicated. That’s a lot easier.

“Chaos? Are you talking about the God of Chaos, Chaos?”

At the mention of chaos, Rod looked slightly surprised.

Not feeling the need to hide it, I nodded in affirmation.

Rod then had a mysterious look on his face, as if the name surprised him.

“Is there some kind of problem?”

Luna cautiously asked, checking Rod’s expression. Honestly, there are plenty of problems.

As long as Chaos is watching, it’s better to ditch any faith play.

It only drags my devotion down, and the way to raise it is completely random.

“It’s not so much a problem… it’s because of Lord Chaos. Do you know where each god is assigned?”

“Well, not really…?”

Eli answered uncertainly. Given she’s from a rural village, it’s understandable she wouldn’t know much beyond herbs.

Luna isn’t any different. She waits for Rod to respond too.

“Gaia is assigned to the earth, Gulrak to the sky, while Chaos is somewhere in between. I’m still researching what that means, but most seem to think it indicates humans. Nothing represents the muddiness of good and evil quite like humans, the embodiment of chaos itself.”

“So what happens if we believe in Lord Chaos?”

“Lord Chaos isn’t a god you believe in just for believing’s sake. Unlike other gods, he’s one you’re exceptionally chosen by.”

“Chosen…?”

Perhaps it was the impressive explanation about being chosen by a god that startled Luna and Eli, as they looked at me wide-eyed.

I feel bad for them, but being chosen by Chaos doesn’t make me some hero or anything.

‘Heroes are a bunch of nonsense.’

While I thought that, Rod seemed to catch on to what kind of misconceptions they had.

He forced a bitter smile before looking at me and spoke in a quieter tone than usual.

“Unlike what you’re thinking, it’s not about being a hero. Lord Chaos is quite capricious and often pulls pranks.”

“Pranks?”

“He might give you a blessing to raise your physical abilities right when you need healing, or the opposite, of course. Truly fitting for the name Chaos.”

“Well, sure. But he’s still a good guy, right?”

Caught off guard by the unexpected answer, Luna quickly asked another question, to which Rod made an ambiguous expression before nodding reluctantly.

“He’s a bit mischievous, but he is a good guy. Even if he seeks fun and excitement, he wouldn’t bless someone like a pleasure killer.”

That’s the reason Chaos is considered a ‘good god’. He may bring chaos to people, but he never crosses the line of ‘good’ at the very least.

He might find it amusing when using violence justly, but he gets serious when it’s violence for personal gain.

Hunting to survive in the forest is understandable, but throwing profanities is simply unacceptable.

What a picky god.

[You have insulted a deity! Your faith decreases!]

…I shouldn’t say that! Just kidding.

As I was busy drumming in my head, Rod continued his explanation.

“I feel a bit bad saying this, but most people blessed by Lord Chaos tend to be a little… off, in the head. Yet they often possess great strength.”

“Strong, you say?”

“Lord Chaos doesn’t grant divine power; instead, he bestows primal strength. That’s probably why Shivar’s physical abilities are so exceptionally strong.”

He even tends to give a bonus to skills. It’s quite likely that the Wilderness Instinct I have came from Chaos.

Maybe the system I possess is also a manifestation of Chaos’ abilities.

If that’s the case, then I wonder who the one that summoned me here is. That’s the key question.

“Doesn’t offering prayers or tributes raise your divine power?”

“It entirely depends on the actions of the believers. As I said, he tends to favor those a bit… off.”

“…”

Luna and Eli looked at me with strange expressions, highlighted by the repeated emphasis.

They were clearly treating me like someone missing a screw.

“Well.”

Thank goodness this is short to say. It’s too succinct even to sum up with “shit.”

Honestly, I think of myself as missing a screw.

I went through all that nonsense in the forest, and if I didn’t lose it, that would be strange.

“…Ratatosk. What did Shivar say?”

Eli asked Porori, apparently finding my one-word reply extremely brief.

However, ‘what’ was all I could provide. It wasn’t going to lead to a lengthy discussion.

“Just what I heard. Just one word.”

“Hmm… I wish you’d speak more nicely.”

“Hey, lady, you’re mistaken! Do you know what kind of temper he has? Thank goodness you’re a lady; otherwise, you’d be in trouble.”

At that reply, Eli looked at me with worry.

In both the game and reality, I’m too optimistic, bordering on clueless, so I have no idea what she’s really thinking.

“Well, as long as nobody hits me, I shouldn’t blow up. Just keep doing what you’ve been doing.”

“Really? That’s a relief. I thought Shivar wouldn’t learn to read and write since he can speak.”

Look at that. She was thinking about something weird, just as I suspected.

Regardless of being able to speak, I still plan to learn writing diligently. It’s essential for using Godin’s magic.

“…”

As Eli sighed in relief, Luna’s face stiffened.

It seems she’s thinking about the upcoming duel. There’s a match lined up between me and Kara.

Having heard about my bad temper from Ratatosk, it’s understandable she has some concerns.

‘No need to worry too much.’

If Kara gets on my nerves, I might get hurt, but I won’t die.

She’s one of the main characters, and if she bites the dust, the story becomes complicated.

Moreover, it’d mean risking her father against me, which would jeopardize my life.

“Should we delay visiting the church? With the duel coming up, I think we all need some free time.”

“Not a bad idea. You have herbalism to think about too, so you’ll be busier.”

“Yeah. I still have to fulfill my potion quota.”

Soon, a lot of students are going to see some serious action in the duel.

Bruises are a given, and it’s possible someone might even get cut or break a bone.

But nobody will die, and the aftereffects won’t be severe.

‘Gaia’s temple has personnel on standby, right?’

Since I have regeneration, I just need to chug down a potion. It’s just the cost of food that’ll hurt.

“But I’m slightly worried.”

“What are you worried about?”

“About Shivar and Kara’s duel.”

Rod looked at me while saying that. The way he said it wasn’t a look of concern.

Though he looked completely fine, as if something was bothering him. I don’t quite understand what that is.

“Is it that Shivar might… hurt Kara?”

“No, that’s not it. If it came to that, I’d step in myself. It’s just that her father is coming to watch.”

“Her father…?”

“The King of Tartar.”

Both Luna and Eli were stunned by the casualness of that statement.

For these villagers, the idea of a king must feel as distant as the sky.

If Elvin were here, it’d be serious, but currently, he’s hospitalized.

Rod chuckled upon seeing their unexpected reactions.

“An old human. A king is the highest among humans, right?”

At that moment, Porori fired a question at Rod.

While he speaks fluidly, he still lacks basic common sense.

“That’s right.”

“So he’s higher than you, old man?”

“If we’re just counting power…”

In terms of strength, Rod is a cut above. The pre-addiction Rod was the prime example of might.

In other words, the King of Tartar possesses a level of strength one notch below Rod.

The Tartar people are specialists in combat, reigning in the upper echelon, so it only makes sense.

“Anyway, Princess Kara’s match will be watched by the King of Tartar. Maybe he’s already heard about it.”

“What does that have to do with Shivar?”

“It’s not just Shivar; it’ll be the same for you. Being caught in his eye can lead to all sorts of annoyances.”

That annoyance he refers to isn’t about being oppressed by power or anything like that.

It’s more like showing interest for other reasons. A type of attention that can be quite burdensome.

“I’ll give you a heads-up, but I’m pretty sure you can just brush it off. Well, as long as you keep your distance, there’s no need to stress too much.”

“Hmm… I understand. It’s best to focus on the duel first.”

“Right. That would be better, but…”

Rod trailed off while looking at me. I think I understand what he’s worried about.

Though it feels a bit wrong to say it, he probably knows Luna will struggle to win against Kara.

On the contrary, I’m not worried at all. He’s likely concerned I might pull off a win against Kara.

‘Which is understandable.’

That’s true because Rod has the experience of facing Kara’s father multiple times. He’s got a grasp on his temperament.

Moreover, Kara’s father is infamous for striking fear into the hearts of first-cycle players.

If Kara teaches the importance of technique, her father knows beyond that.

“I just hope nothing breaks.”

We’ll soon find out what that statement implies.

******

Life remained simple until the duel, even with being able to speak.

In the mornings, I listened to boring yet intriguing theories, and in the afternoons, I trained with Kara.

Luna only stuck around at first but eventually didn’t meddle in my training with Kara.

Kara proved to be an excellent teacher, and she even extended Luna’s training time.

“By the way, Kara, didn’t you say you were going to ask the principal to be Shivar’s guardian?”

After the autonomous training, while Kara casually put away the broken sandbags, Luna asked.

Kara paused, looking thoughtful for a moment, then smiled and replied.

“Oh, right. I totally forgot. I’ll mention it after the duel.”

Looks like she really forgot. To be fair, I completely spaced it too.

Having been with her during autonomous training made it too easy to forget.

“But honestly, aren’t you already sort of a guardian? Don’t you think so?”

“Yeah.”

“See?”

At my answer, Kara smiled warmly and lightly patted my shoulder. It showed her affection.

Having followed her instructions without grumbling until now, she seemed pretty fond of me.

Plus, there was no discrimination between us—it felt like we were on the same wavelength.

“So you still can’t speak perfectly, right?”

“Yeah.”

“Well, that’s already a big step. You’re not mute, at least. Can you try calling my name?”

“Ka. Ra.”

“Good, good. I’ve never appreciated having such a short name until today!”

Kara smiled and hoisted the burst sandbags onto her shoulder.

The weight must have been immense, yet she handled it effortlessly, demonstrating her prowess.

After tossing aside the damaged sandbags, we tidied up the area. It was time to leave.

“Before long, it’s the duel after the weekend.”

“Right?”

“Not regretting not learning to fight, are you?”

“I won’t regret it.”

I probably will. I’m a bit anxious about not having learned ground techniques.

Of course, this isn’t because Kara intentionally avoided teaching me, but because of time constraints.

So she only taught me defense for when I do get stranded on the ground.

“Kara.”

“Speak.”

“I heard your father is coming to this duel.”

“…”

At my words, Kara’s once cheerful expression turned stiff. She clearly seemed uncomfortable.

Then she quietly asked in a low voice.

“…Why is that?”

“The principal mentioned he’s very strong…”

“Yeah, that’s true. He is extremely strong. But that’s not what’s important right now, right?”

Kara smiled and rested her chin on Luna’s shoulder, but her eyes were definitely saying, “Don’t say any more.”

Feeling her silent pressure, Luna seemed to catch on and nodded with a reluctant face.

“Yes, that’s… true.”

“If you’re curious about how strong the King is, try to beat me. Though, it may be tough for you.”

“…That’s some serious confidence you got there.”

Kara quickly diverted what could have become an awkward atmosphere back to lightness.

Though whether choosing a vibe of hostility over awkwardness was the right thing, I couldn’t tell.

“I’m sure he knows? Of course I’m stronger than you.”

Suddenly dragging me into it like that, Kara taunted me.

Luna, glancing at the challenge in confusion, chuckled incredulously.

“Hah. I have no idea what you’re basing that upon.”

“Basis? Well, I lived in the wild, so I’d be more developed in that area, right? Just instincts.”

It’s not really instincts; I know Kara’s capabilities well enough to say that.

Right now, Luna couldn’t beat Kara. I can confidently state that.

“…Shivar.”

“Yeah.”

“Who do you think is stronger? Me or Kara?”

Seemingly annoyed by the scratch to her pride, Luna asked me, and Kara looked at me with a confident expression as well.

What’s the point of even asking? Without any hesitation, I raised my hand and pointed confidently.

“Kara.”

My finger pointed directly toward Kara, causing Luna’s expression to harden even more.

On the other hand, Kara looked triumphant. Then she placed her hand on my shoulder and spoke.

“See? Even he knows.”

“…You must’ve misunderstood the question.”

“Hmm, I don’t think so~”

Kara scoffed while repeatedly taunting me. I assume bringing up her father makes her act like this.

Of course, Luna has no way of knowing that. She looked between me and Kara and shook her head.

“It won’t mean anything if we keep bickering like this.”

“I completely agree with that.”

“Glad to hear that. And Shivar.”

Why do you keep calling my name?

As I marveled at that thought, Luna turned to me with a teaching tone.

“You can’t determine the world based only on instincts. It wouldn’t hurt to realize that.”

“…”

She seems to have quite the pride herself. I wonder how she’d react after getting a good smack someday.

“Just respond if you understood.”

“Sure. I’ll respond.”

With a blank expression, I slowly replied.

“Mo? Ra?”

“…”

Luna’s expression crumbled in real-time.

“Ha ha ha ha ha!”

Kara patted my shoulder fiercely as she burst into laughter.

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