Chapter 416

Once upon a time, the food chain structure was wrecked, resulting in an utter mess known as the ‘Chaos’ Forest.

Over time, the Chaos Forest gradually stabilized, and certain areas became so overrun with squirrels that they were even dubbed the ‘Squirrel Forest.’

With cute squirrels everywhere and hardly any dangerous beasts lurking around, this place became particularly popular with non-combat classes.

Of course, there were rumors about spirit creatures residing in the forest among those squirrels, but eventually, that chatter faded away.

Anyway, the outskirts of the Chaos Forest transformed into a relatively peaceful area, allowing students to wander freely.

But deep inside the Chaos Forest, the atmosphere remained as deadly as ever—a realm where a single mistake could cost you your life.

Recent investigations revealed that new predators had emerged, dividing the territory among themselves.

These predators grew stronger day by day as they battled for territory, and apart from other predators, there was nothing left to oppose them.

“Grrr.”

One of the beings that divided the inner Chaos Forest, a lion, let out a long exhale.

Being a predator in charge of a portion of the Chaos Forest meant it was no ordinary beast.

It had grown to a size that could only be described as house-sized. With every passing day, its bulk increased.

Not only that, but its claws, capable of tearing anything apart, became sharper with time.

With a single swipe, even the toughest animal would find itself shredded. There was no need to exert any extra force.

“Raarrr…”

Was it aware of its own strength? The lion yawned, revealing its laid-back demeanor.

The teeth displayed during the yawn were quite intimidating; one bite would send you straight to the afterlife.

This was true not just for the lion, but other predators in different territories too. Each had their own strengths and weaknesses.

Though they were merely divided into territories, it couldn’t be called a peace agreement.

If a gap appeared, instant death would follow. A predator could easily become prey.

-Scratch. Scratch.

Of course, that was all hypothetical. The lion scratched its back legs, looking quite content.

Since the moment it climbed to the top of the Chaos Forest, no one dared to challenge the lion.

Other predators, worried about their own well-being, wouldn’t recklessly attack.

Thus, it could eat the nutrient and magic-rich animals of the Chaos Forest to steadily grow its strength.

-Rustle.

“Grr?”

At that moment, rustling near the lion’s ears alerted it. The lion immediately shifted to a defensive stance.

Though it was a predator, the wilderness was an unforgiving place where a single mistake could lead to death. There was no room for complacency.

-Rustle. Rustle.

The sound of bushes shaking continued. The lion rose its body slightly.

As it stood, its massive figure became apparent. Anyone who looked at it from the front would freeze in fear.

The lion silently waited for whatever was rustling in the bushes to reveal itself. It was eager to find out what prey had come this time.

Finally, someone emerged deliberately making noise…

“Hmm? Ah. Found you.”

“?”

It was a human with brown skin. The lion felt both cautious and confused.

Humans rarely ventured into the inner Chaos Forest. Even if they did, they would leave almost immediately.

Long ago, a few months back, a furry human had stepped into the Chaos Forest.

And they brought about immense turmoil, treating the lion like a mere slave. That memory was still fresh.

‘…What?’

Why had that memory suddenly resurfaced? The instinctive lion found it incomprehensible.

In truth, it was because of its instincts that the memory had resurfaced, but unfortunately, its ability to comprehend was painfully slow.

“Hey. I’ll be here for about three days. Give me some food.”

The lion was clever. It understood what the human was getting at.

It was less about understanding language and more about grasping intentions, similar to how animals decipher growls.

“…?”

The lion tilted its head. It recognized that voice from somewhere.

Animals are loyal to their instincts. And right now, those instincts were screaming.

Immediately offer that human some food. Otherwise, danger lurks.

While instincts screamed this, rational thought still hoped for understanding.

It was a slow process, but that meant it was slowly evolving into a spirit creature. Naturally, expecting it to reach the level of Porori was asking too much.

“Hey! Didn’t you hear me? I said give me food.”

“Grrr…!”

This brat was really pushing it. The lion growled at the human’s demand.

Then, moving its enormous paw, it slowly approached the human. Right now, it was full and didn’t actually need anything to eat.

But it figured it could at least show this annoying human what for. Better to smack with claws than teeth.

As the lion approached, claws bared, it noticed something in the human’s eyes.

They looked indifferent but also had shining, bright red irises.

“?!”

Only then did the lion recognize this human. It belatedly understood why its instinct signaled danger.

Besides, that smell. The unique scent that only this human emitted. It was something it could never forget.

The lion took a step back, filled with a questioning expression of why this human had come here.

“Oh, finally recognized me.”

The human, once a predator of the Chaos Forest, Sivar, nodded in apparent satisfaction.

Even though his appearance had changed, his voice, gaze, and scent remained the same. Thus, the lion recognized him, albeit with a bit of delay.

‘He’s certainly bigger compared to last time. Have the others changed too?’

Sivar observed the lion’s hesitant retreat. Certainly, it had grown much larger than before.

Most animals grew larger upon entering the Chaos Forest. Think of Porori, for instance.

“Grrr…!”

Just as Sivar was contemplating this, the lion halted its retreat. The fierce growl suggested it was ready to attack at any moment.

Sivar raised an eyebrow at the sight.

‘Could it be that this guy thinks he can take me on just because he’s bigger?’

You guessed it right. The lion was indeed harboring such thoughts.

Unlike last time, it had grown in both size and sharpness of claws. There was no need to fear any mere human.

It seemed Sivar read the lion’s thoughts, chuckling softly. Then, he beckoned the lion toward him with a gesture.

An obvious provocation. The lion had no intention of letting that slip by easily.

“RAAAWR!!!”

The massive lion charged at full speed.

With each leap, it shook the ground as if a giant mountain were closing in.

Soon, it closed the gap, raising its sharp claws to strike Sivar down.

If it brought down its paw just like that, that nefarious human would be torn to pieces.

-Swooosh.

But that event never occurred. Just before the lion struck, Sivar had moved forward.

Thus, the lion’s claws swiped at empty air. In what felt like slow motion, the lion searched for Sivar.

Little did it know, that realization had come too late. By the time it figured it out…

-SQUASH!

Sivar, diving in, hit the lion’s gut hard with his fist.

Though he struck with enough restraint to avoid damaging any organs, it was still a well-placed hit.

“KEEEEEN!!!”

The mournful roar of the lion echoed throughout the entire Chaos Forest.

A presence that was more than just a punk had arrived in the Chaos Forest.

*****

It had been three days since the lion had pinned me to its territory. During those three days, my body had begun to revert to its original state.

As my skin changed from bronze to pale, the sensation was more than just fascinating; it felt strangely mystical.

This wasn’t merely a case of tanning. It was a literal ‘adaptation.’

‘What on earth am I? How am I even constructed?’

I know I’m a demon’s offspring. But I’m unsure exactly whose descendant I am.

The offspring of a demon that shouldn’t be able to bear children. That alone is fascinating, yet my body is even more curious.

No matter where I go, I perfectly adapt. Not even a chameleon would do this.

Wait, is there any animal that adapts to its environment instantaneously?

‘I heard the Galapagos have taken hundreds of years for adaptation.’

Whether it’s the Galapagos or not, I adapted in less than a week, to the point it felt surreal.

I wonder if I will change similarly when I travel to the Eastern Empire. I can’t tell if adaptations happen only in extreme environments.

‘I guess it’s time to head back.’

My skin has returned to its original color, so it seems I can safely go back now.

Unless it’s vacation time, I have a class to attend tomorrow, so returning is essential.

Even if it were vacation, Road might come to fetch me once again.

Walking out of there voluntarily was far better than being dragged by the ear.

“Whoop.”

I sprang to my feet. The soft feeling on my back had disappeared.

When I glanced back, the lion was sitting rigidly, slightly frozen. Thankfully, it had been my backrest.

It had become submissive after being hit hard in the gut a few days back. There was no predator as easy to handle as the lion.

“I’m off now. Stay well.”

“Grr!”

The lion jerked its head toward me, as if it understood my words. Its eyes sparkled with anticipation, clearly wishing I wouldn’t leave.

Really? Is it genuinely hoping I would stay? Please, let me leave. That kind of expression.

As much as I would like to stay another day, unfortunately, class was calling.

At the very least, I figured I should attend my classes diligently. Otherwise, Road might punish me.

“Goodbye! Thanks for everything.”

“Ugh!”

Get lost. Just make sure not to come back next time.

If you do come back, find someone else, not me. I can’t be the only one working hard here.

That roar carried such meaning. I treated it lightly, yet wasn’t that a bit much?

All I did was ask it to hunt for me. I had threatened it with being eaten if it didn’t want to hunt.

‘Will I have to come back here again?’

I wasn’t sure. Following the direction of the special compass, I moved forward.

Time passed, and at last, I reached the outskirts of the Chaos Forest. Having arrived at the outskirts, I could go without the compass.

Especially since I could see the Academy monument, finding my way wouldn’t be a problem.

‘I wonder what kind of classes I’ll be taking next?’

Setting aside my role as an assistant, I was curious about the class content. They should start announcing the final exam topics soon.

Once the final exams were over, vacation would follow, and I had plans to learn the Hwan Empire’s language during that break.

‘But first, I need to learn Frozen language.’

As I walked thinking this, I soon arrived at the entrance.

Seeing that Road was not waiting, it seemed like I had returned at the right time. Luckily, I shouldn’t be in trouble.

‘Still, I should check in with him.’

Without delay, I made my way to Road’s house. Just as I was nearing the place…

“Sivar brother?”

A familiar voice reached my ears. It had a calm yet powerful tone.

Upon hearing the voice, I turned my head. As soon as I noticed its owner, a smile spread across my face.

“Rize?”

“It’s been a while. Truly great to see you.”

The Chaos Saint, Rize, wore a gentle smile.

“Have you behaved yourself and stayed out of trouble all this time?”

“Um…”

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