Chapter 31

Surprising or not, the inevitable outcome unfolded right before my eyes.

Kara’s fist landed squarely on Luna’s face, marking the end of the duel.

Luna’s body momentarily floated before collapsing lifelessly onto the hard dueling arena floor.

“··· ···”

“··· ···”

“··· ···”

Simultaneously, a grave silence enveloped the arena.

The student, renowned for being the top of the entrance exam, had just been defeated by a barbarian.

And it wasn’t even close. This was going to stir quite the ripple.

[The duel has concluded. The medical team is requested to respond quickly.]

The announcement shattered the silence, resonating throughout the arena. Soon after, changes began to unfold.

The dueling arena returned to its solid, unyielding earth floor. Then, the medical team rushed in through the entrance.

Kara, having only expended a slight amount of stamina, was fine, while Luna would likely be in pretty rough shape.

Especially after taking several punches to the face, she would be swollen up like a balloon. That’s gotta hurt.

‘But hey, at least she put up a good fight?’

Others would probably see Luna as weak due to the skill gap. But that was just how it was.

Unlike other freshmen, Kara was what you’d call a “warrior.” A battle-hardened fighter who knew when and how to use her skills effectively.

Plus, Luna had never trained in martial arts, so her patterns were limited. Kara knew this well and exploited it.

Yet, Luna fought bravely. She managed to understand her weaknesses and tried to prevent close combat at all costs.

‘Entrance exams are just to gauge basic skills anyway.’

Basic techniques, like footwork and strategic judgment, among other things.

Luna must’ve excelled in those areas to be accepted as the top student. That alone would have secured her a good score.

However, her lack of skills in variety left her response capabilities lagging. She must’ve learned something crucial from this duel.

“Hm. It seems this isn’t working out as I hoped. But at least the fundamentals are solid.”

It seemed that Rod, who had experienced various battles, had also figured it out. Luna wasn’t about to win against Kara.

Just because she entered at the top doesn’t mean most promising students have much hands-on experience.

When they talk about real combat, they’re usually just referring to monster hunts or duels. It’s hardly worth calling it real combat.

[We will take a ten-minute break before the next duel begins.]

And so, as Luna was carried off on a stretcher, the event came to a closure. It was expected to be a big event, but it ended anticlimactically.

Let me emphasize, it’s not that Luna is weak; it’s that Kara is absurdly strong.

It’s a bit like an established player strolling into a new player’s hunting ground.

‘Lack of battle experience will be filled during academy studies.’

While attending the academy, she’ll likely accumulate various real-life experiences. The most notable among them being bandit subjugation.

There’s also a related episode about that, but it’s not worth thinking about just yet. That’ll start from the second year anyway.

First years primarily learn various skills under their instructors or listen to relevant knowledge, also involving recruitment.

Whether or not she gets recruited doesn’t matter. If she takes her time to think it through, she’ll easily get by.

‘Even if she lost, she must’ve made an impression.’

I glanced around at the VIP seats where distinguished guests from various nations were seated. Everyone seemed to be murmuring their thoughts.

Even though she lost, they likely saw potential in the swordsmanship and fundamentals Luna displayed.

When it comes to preferences, the Matra Empire would probably show more interest than the Granada Empire.

“Hey, old man. What do you think? She look useful?”

Just when I drifted off into thought, a gruff voice broke the silence from behind.

Turning around, I saw Hector, Kara’s father, standing with a solemn expression.

“Do you use the term ‘useful’ when talking about your own daughter?”

“Otherwise, she wouldn’t survive. It’s just the way it is.”

Rod shot back with a teasing tone, and Hector replied in a complex manner.

The way he scratched his head showed he knew he’d said something off.

“So what’s your answer?”

“Exceptional. Considering her growth, she’ll become an outstanding warrior.”

“Right? Then······”

Hector trailed off while staring at me. His green eyes, just like Kara’s, held deep curiosity.

Then he pointed at me and posed a question to Rod.

“What do you think will happen if she fights him?”

“You’ll find out when you see.”

Rod’s response was ambiguous. But just that uncertainty was enough to pique Hector’s interest.

Not knowing implies that Kara might lose. Hector probably accepted that notion.

“The way you say that feels quite strange, old man.”

“It’s because you don’t know the real ability of Sivar.”

“Have you not fought him? Then how did you bring him here?”

“A student who just got beaten up by your daughter brought him along.”

Apparently, the news hadn’t been conveyed in detail. On the bright side, only the people around knew the full story.

Hector looked at me with a peculiar expression upon hearing Rod’s answer. It was the kind of look that said, “What the heck is this kid?”

“Damn.”

So, I responded that I didn’t really know myself. That just made Hector’s expression even stranger.

This chattery guy suddenly fell silent.

“······Sivar? What’s that supposed to mean?”

“Just think of it as a habit of mine. I lost my language living in the wilderness. But I can still manage to say a letter or two.”

“Wasn’t his name Sivar? Are you seriously saying you named him after ‘Sivar Sivar?’ There’s not even a hint of a family name!”

Yeah, I totally agree with you there, old man. If he had been barking, he would’ve been called Ugar, not Sivar.

While I silently pondered in agreement, Rod snorted with laughter too. It seemed he felt the same about the lack of a name.

“I didn’t name him. The student who brought him did.”

“Quite the unique character, isn’t he? Anyway, I get it. We’ll find out when we see the duel.”

Hector spat that out and turned to leave. He was probably heading to meet Kara.

As I stared at his broad back, I quietly got up from my seat. I had somewhere to go as well.

“Where are you going? There are still duels left.”

Rod questioned, filled with curiosity as I got up.

I hesitated for a moment to come up with a response, then enunciated my words carefully.

“Friend.”

“Friend?”

“Hospital.”

Having lost consciousness, Luna was probably already hospitalized. She’d woken up in a hospital in the Soul World as well.

I intended to check on Luna’s condition. I was curious just how swollen her face had become.

Of course, I was worried, just a tad—like 1%.

“Going to visit a friend at the hospital? You mean you’re going to see Luna?”

“Yep.”

“Are you worried or something?”

“Yep.”

It’s less about worry and more about wanting a peek at her face. I just have to see how puffed up she is.

More than anything, I wasn’t in the mood to watch anymore duels. It’s better to be with someone I know than to sit there bored.

“What an admirable thought to have. That’s wonderful. Go on then.”

Rod had no idea of my true feelings. He simply felt moved by my words.

Look at that beaming smile. He surely thinks I’m developing sociability.

Indeed, talking a bit has led me to pay attention to others. Not that it’s related to sociability though.

“That spirit creature is a great help. Since we can communicate, things are much smoother.”

“··· ···”

I suddenly felt angry.

Hearing Rod say that Porori was helpful, I protested.

“Ah! You!”

“Hm? What’s not true?”

“Help!”

“No need to help? Sorry, but that’s impossible. Please try to understand.”

“Damn!”

“Don’t complain; just go.”

I still felt frustrated.

******

After taking a solid punch from Kara, Luna had lost consciousness.

Once she was rushed to the hospital, it didn’t take long for her to regain awareness.

Kara had managed her strength and was almost fainting herself.

“Ow······”

As soon as she regained her senses, a wave of pain rushed in, and Luna let out a pained noise.

Her abdomen hurt, and her face, especially after being smashed by Kara’s iron fist, was the worst.

She had already busted her lip in the fight, plus she’d taken a few more punches, so she must have been incredibly swollen.

At least they’d done first aid, as she felt pain but not the usual coppery taste of blood.

“Oh! You’re awake?”

Just as Luna was wallowing in pain, a nurse beside her spoke up. It was Eli.

Animals aren’t allowed in the hospital unless in a specific ward. So, it seemed Ratatosk wasn’t there by her side.

Luna met Eli’s perpetually bright eyes and quietly opened her mouth.

“Where is this······?”

“It’s a hospital. You fainted earlier, remember?”

“Oh right······”

Her mouth was so swollen that her words were slightly slurred. Every time she spoke, pain ensued.

Luna grimaced through the discomfort, then turned her gaze elsewhere. Her eyes widened in surprise at the last person she’d ever expect to see.

“······Sivar?”

“Yep. It’s me.”

To her surprise, it was Sivar. Looking pristinely innocent, he was gazing at her.

Just as Luna pondered why Sivar was here, Eli provided the explanation.

“The director said Sivar asked first. He requested to come see you.”

“Sivar wanted······ to come first?”

“Yep. Surprising, right? Just how worried do you think he was to rush over?”

Sivar glanced at Eli with what seemed to be something he wanted to say.

But he quickly abandoned that thought and turned back to face Luna. Luna met his gaze, filled with mixed emotions.

‘He was worried about me?’

No, he just came to see how I looked after all the damage. But that truth was lost on her.

With no clue of the reality, Luna looked at Sivar with a complicated gaze.

How should she put it? It felt both touching and heartwarming. She was glad to see Sivar develop.

“······Thank you, Sivar.”

“Yep.”

“You’re such a nice person.”

“Yep.”

“Phew. Ow······”

Trying to smile, she likely strained her swollen mouth. Luna winced.

“The doctor said you’d be fine in a day. Your teeth are intact.”

“Really, just a day?”

“It’s the academy. They always have quality potions at the ready. I’m the one making them right now.”

Eli puffed out her chest proudly, displaying a presence that couldn’t be overlooked.

It wasn’t just Sivar, but even Luna was somewhat captivated by her potion pouch.

Luna stared vacantly at that pouch before hurriedly collecting her thoughts. It was time to reflect.

‘Kara was incredibly strong.’

It was the moment she truly realized what battle-honed techniques were.

The skills pulled out at just the right moment, the ability to respond, and adaptability—all were incredibly lacking.

If they’d fought to the death, Sivar would’ve lost his head in under five minutes. Kara was that formidable.

‘But if someone like her fought Sivar······ Wait. What’s he looking at?’

Sivar was staring intently at Eli’s potion pouch······ no, her chest.

One of Luna’s worries was whether Sivar recognized “romantic interest.”

It would be a headache if he had to learn about relationships on top of everything else. She needed to divert his attention elsewhere.

“Sivar?”

“?”

“What do you think about Kara?”

He might not have put it together, but I asked anyway. Sivar blinked in confusion.

Then, scratching his head as if deep in thought, he finally spoke up quietly.

“Me.”

“Who thinks about who?”

Before Sivar could finish, a familiar voice cut in.

Turning toward the sound, there stood Kara at the door.

With a refreshing smile to match her bright outfit—wearing long pants, but a black tank top on top.

“Kara.”

“You seem to be healing well.”

Kara approached Luna with confident strides.

Luna’s face was a mess, while Kara looked completely unscathed. That made sense, as she hadn’t landed a solid hit at all.

Luna was momentarily taken aback by Kara’s entrance but quickly remembered her earlier remarks and hurriedly spoke up.

“Kara, um······”

“No, no. It’s okay. I didn’t mean it. I was provoking you too.”

“But······”

“Well, it’s fine. Your apology is enough.”

Her response was refreshingly straightforward, as expected. Luna looked at her with a questioning expression.

That word “barbarian” must’ve been a sore spot for Kara. She realized that through their interactions.

Being called a barbarian when she was anything but must’ve added immense stress.

“Tartar tends to carry out duels like they’re the real thing. You need to maintain your composure no matter the provocation, and I failed to do that. That’s on me.”

“······You’re truly okay, right?”

“Yep. You apologized, and I accepted, so it’s all good. The real problem lies with those who don’t even apologize.”

As Kara said that, she turned her gaze toward Sivar. A smile still graced her face.

“So next, it’ll be your turn to fight, huh?”

“Yep.”

“Can you answer the question Luna asked earlier? Who do you think would win against me?”

“It’s similar, but······”

Well, that was how it sounded. When I think carefully, the question could be interpreted in various ways.

It could also be seen as asking who’s greater rather than simply who’s stronger.

For anyone else, that’d be fine, but with Sivar, I need to ask properly.

“Sivar, if you fought Kara······”

“Big sis.”

“Huh?”

“Just call me big sis easily. I’m older anyway.”

“Uh······”

“If you call me big sis, I’ll teach you some techniques.”

That was somewhat enticing. Luna rolled her eyes before quickly processing the thought.

Sure, she might have been accepted as the top student, but getting smashed could’ve left a lasting impression.

Besides, she’d likely end up fighting Kara frequently, so there’d be plenty of time to learn skills.

Having gone through this swiftly in her mind, Luna hurriedly corrected herself.

She had long since folded her pride and tossed it in the trash.

“Who do you think would win between you and big sis Kara?”

“Pretty fast.”

Rod, standing nearby, chuckled in disbelief. He then looked at Sivar as well.

All eyes fell on Sivar, who appeared slightly burdened by the attention.

Sivar rolled his red eyes before slowly raising his hand.

“You.”

He pointed at Kara with his index finger.

“Lose.”

Then he turned and pointed at himself with prideful confidence.

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