Chapter 42

As mentioned before, the cultivator events are mostly classified into two categories unless specific conditions are met.

The Matra Empire, which values definition and honor. The Granada Empire, which prioritizes strength and practicality.

This applies to any profession. No matter the field, it generally divides like this.

A prime example is the necromancer. The Matra Empire prohibits necromancy, while the Granada Empire welcomes it as long as it proves beneficial.

Furthermore, the Granada Empire is relatively more inconsistent in terms of morality and ethics compared to the Matra Empire.

But it can’t be helped, as the Granada Empire, unlike the Matra Empire, lacks abundant resources.

Since they don’t have abundant resources, they have no choice but to rely on technology, which ethics can complicate.

In summary, newcomers who know nothing should choose the Granada Empire, while experienced players may opt for the Matra Empire.

“That’s all for today’s lesson. The afternoon will proceed as you heard, so everyone, hang in there.”

Another day begins as the weekend passes and classes start again.

Godin, having finished the class, stepped outside with encouragement. It was yet another beneficial session.

If nothing else, I paid careful attention to Godin’s lectures. In order to learn his magic in the future, I needed to build rapport.

“From today, a lot of people will cling to you.”

As soon as class ended, Kara said that to Luna. I think I know what she means.

Luna, perhaps agreeing, nodded while asking Kara in return, “What about you, Kara?”

“Did you forget that I’m a princess?”

“I was just stating the fact. Hmm…”

Luna lowered her head, wearing a pensive expression. For a commoner like her, especially one who placed first in entrance exams, this situation was somewhat awkward.

Though she lost to Kara in a duel, she later achieved overwhelming victories in all subsequent matches.

A case where her lacking basics were compensated by sheer talent. Once she fine-tunes her basics, she’ll transform into a beautiful gem.

Whether in the Matra Empire or the Granada Empire, there’s no denying they’ll be salivating over her. Surely there will be people trying to approach her.

‘If it’s Luna, representatives will probably come to her.’

In each nation, the cultivators change according to points and performance in duels.

If the points and performances are average, they generally just toss anyone at you, but if they’re exceptional, a representative will personally instruct you.

Given Luna’s current standing, it’s highly probable that a representative will personally teach her. Her reputation as top of the entrance exams is no exaggeration.

“Seems like you have some worries?”

While I was waiting for Luna’s response, a familiar feminine voice pierced my ears.

Turning my head, I found myself met with deep purple eyes. Her gaze felt sharp, almost piercing.

“Isn’t it obvious that our Matra Empire is far superior?”

It was Grace, the princess of the Matra Empire. She always exuded an air of arrogance with a haughty demeanor.

Just her presence pressed upon me like a weight, and her sharp gaze added a slight pressure.

“The Granada Empire pursues strength and practicality to such a degree that it displays numerous moral issues. On the other hand, the Matra Empire does not. Honor and justice. Doesn’t your heart race just hearing that?”

Grace elegantly swept her hair aside while extolling her homeland. She was overflowing with patriotism.

Luna made a somewhat skeptical expression before glancing at Kara. Kara simply shrugged her shoulders.

“You do love your honor and justice. Though the Matra Empire pretends to be noble, it’s involved in all sorts of dirty deeds behind the scenes, right?”

In that moment, a counterpoint to Grace’s statement shot out. It was natural for Grace’s eyebrows to twitch at that.

The voice came from behind me. Turning around, I saw a male student wearing a look of disdain.

He had black hair and eyes, with a generally greasy appearance. More of a rat than a snake, if I’m being honest.

“Oh. That guy.”

I confused him for a passerby for a moment, but I quickly realized who it was thanks to what he just said.

Ignoring Grace’s scowl, the boy cast his gaze at Luna, speaking nonchalantly.

“It’s better to treat people equally, regardless of status. The Granada Empire is far more agreeable, don’t you think? Top of your class.”

“Who are you, exactly?”

“Look, they don’t even pay attention to those they aren’t interested in. If you head to the Matra Empire, you’ll be trampled like a sprout.”

If Grace and Elvin are students from the Matra Empire, this guy can definitely be classified as a student from the Granada Empire.

His name is Antonio. Just like his appearance suggests, he’s an underhanded character skilled in strategy, part of the rogue archetype.

He’s also the younger brother of the representative for the Granada Empire.

“If you’re interested in the Granada Empire, simply say so. We’d gladly welcome you.”

“That’s amusing. Why do you think Luna would be interested in you guys?”

“At least we don’t discriminate based on status. If you have the ability, your position can shift regardless of social class.”

The two were growling at each other like tigers and lions. Other students began to take an interest in their heated debate.

It was similar to when Luna and Kara had drawn everyone’s attention earlier. For Luna, caught in the middle, it was undoubtedly uncomfortable.

“Wow, you’re really popular?”

“…”

Kara nudged Luna, chuckling. Since she was standing a little further back, it must’ve been amusing for her.

While I found Luna’s predicament somewhat entertaining, sadly, it wasn’t just for her sake.

“Well, whatever. It’s up to her to make her choice. But first… was it Sivar?”

“?”

Antonio called out to me. I blinked at him, confused.

He then hesitated to phrase whatever he wanted to say, before throwing a vague inquiry my way.

“What are you interested in? I know you don’t know much yet, but I’m interested in you. Oh, and just to be clear, I’m not discriminating. Got it?”

“Looks like you’re not keen on taking Sivar with you? Our empire is always ready to welcome him. Which side do you prefer, Sivar?”

The arrows were now directed at me. Simultaneously, countless gazes turned towards me.

I didn’t expect this sort of situation. If Luna is a promising candidate, I’m the hot potato.

A choice you want to touch yet find too hot to handle. Likely a high-risk, high-reward situation.

Of course, I wouldn’t choose anywhere. After all, I know everything already, so I have no intention of picking sides.

“Kara.”

“Yes?”

“Kara.”

“…Me?”

So I chose Kara. She looked flabbergasted, pointing at herself.

I nodded at her as she looked around with a dazed expression.

This must’ve been completely unexpected for her. She was just observing from the sidelines, and suddenly the spotlight was on her.

Antonio raised both hands in a gesture of surrender at the unexpected choice. He then spoke in an accommodating manner.

“Well, given that no one knows anything about the current situation, it’s pointless to say it a hundred times. I still want your power, though.”

“That’s true.”

Grace concurred with Antonio’s statement. From their perspective, I still look like a ‘wildling.’

A wildling just barely stepping into civilization. They probably think I won’t understand the complex politics of civilized society.

I cleverly seized that opportunity to choose Kara, for none are better suited for neutrality than her.

“Anyhow, make a wise choice. Top of your class. My brother’s quite interested.”

With that, Antonio took his leave, his attitude giving away hints of where he came from.

“I really don’t get what the Granada Empire is thinking. To enroll someone with such a questionable character into the academy.”

Grace muttered in a discontented tone.

In the Soul World, Grace and Antonio are like fire and water; they can never get along.

When they were on the same team, the fighting was intense. Sorting things out between the two was quite the effort.

“Grace.”

“Huh? Oh, yes. What is it, Luna?”

“If I choose one of the two countries, a leader will be dispatched from that nation, right?”

“Yes. Since you’re at the top of your class and have shown excellent results in duels, a representative from our side will certainly come forth.”

“Could you tell me who that might be?”

At Luna’s question, Grace responded with a clear look of excitement! Her eyes had widened significantly.

Consequently, her already sharp gaze became even sharper. Objectively, she was a beauty, but her eyes were truly fierce.

After calming her excitement, she composed herself and spoke in an elegant tone.

“Of course. Since you’re a warrior type, Gloria will be the one personally teaching you.”

“Gloria… you say?”

“Yes. She’s a magnificent swan, possessing both grace and unparalleled integrity.”

As a noble, Grace used metaphorical language. Luna blinked in confusion, clearly lost regarding what that meant.

In simpler terms, it meant that Gloria was a highly regarded figure in the Matra Empire. In fact, she even holds the title of ‘Blade of Matra.’

“Is she similar to the Chancellor?”

“…Please compare properly. You don’t know how powerful the Chancellor is, do you?”

Of course, comparing her to Rod, the monster of a man, is unreasonable. Just to clarify, Rod is incredibly strong.

He can slice through space like it’s cheese. Comparisons should be made wisely, really.

If Luna felt awkward, she looked embarrassed.

“If you’re interested, just let me know anytime. I am also acquainted with Gloria, and can speak on your behalf.”

“Hmm… I understand. Then, who does Grace receive instruction from? I’ve heard that mages receive similar tutelage.”

“I’ll most likely be taught by Professor Delphoi. Do you know him?”

“Professor Delphoi?”

Upon hearing Delphoi’s name, Luna seemed taken aback. She then shot me a glance.

I had an immediate dislike for Delphoi since the first impression was completely off-putting. Plus, Luna wouldn’t know, but he exuded a sinister undertone towards her.

That’s when I snatched my hand back from him. Delphoi was watching us closely and started to murmur under his breath.

“Yes, I will probably be learning from Professor Delphoi. Though it’s more for advice than actual teaching.”

“Is it acceptable to receive guidance from him?”

“There’s no reason I can’t. However, I’ll need to assist with personal research.”

And naturally, that would lead to receiving some form of slight humiliation. Though it may be fine at first, Delphoi would start looking for opportunities to strike later.

He’s widely regarded as a professor with outstanding skills. No one knows about his unworthy personality.

Whenever he slips up, people neglect it saying he has a superiority complex. Moreover, he has a stronger backing than even Grace.

“If Luna is also interested in magic, feel free to mention it. I can provide help.”

“Oh, I’m fine. I’m just trying to focus on martial arts right now…”

“I see? That’s a pity. How about you, Sivar?”

Grace naturally turned her suggestions towards me. A glint of hope sparkled in her purple eyes.

I understand everything, but I’ll reject it too. Given Godin’s presence, there’s no need to learn from Delphoi.

But I should at least issue a warning. I answered Grace, who was hopeful.

“Delphoi?”

“Delphoi? You’re asking whether I’m going to learn magic from Professor Delphoi? Of course, I…”

“No thanks.”

As I firmly rejected the offer, Grace was left momentarily speechless. She seemed a bit flustered, not expecting such a strong denial.

Then I gave her a warning.

“Beast.”

“…Beast?”

“Delphoi. Bad.”

What I meant was,

“Beast.”

A creature worse than a beast, so don’t get too close.

Others might not understand, but Luna would surely get it. In fact, her expression turned odd as she processed my words.

“…Do you know what Sivar just said?”

“…I’m not really sure either.”

Oh no! I was mistaken!

As I was about to feel deflated for trusting Luna, Kara, who had been quietly observing, spoke up.

“I think that Professor Delphoi is worse than a beast or something?”

“Yeah?”

“I mean he’s a bad guy, so don’t get too close.”

Considering she’s neither Porori nor anything else, how did she interpret it that way?

Kara beamed her refreshing smile at my clarified meaning and asked, “Am I right? If I piece it together, that’s what it means, right?”

“Yeah.”

“There you go. But what made you say he’s a bad guy?”

To Kara’s question, I quickly and curtly replied.

“Just.”

That was as far as I was willing to explain.

*****

After warning Grace, what comes next? The joyful mealtime.

Elvin continued to seem awkward hanging out with us, so he had his meal separately. Plus, being a noble from the Matra Empire, he likely has a busy schedule.

So it was just the three of us—me, Luna, and Kara—who visited the buffet. Like I mentioned, I can only manage my appetite with a buffet.

Nom-nom-nom—

“Slow down. No one’s trying to snatch your food.”

“Mhm.”

“Good response. Here, some juice.”

While I was inhaling my meal, Kara placed down a cup filled with juice.

As soon as she set the juice down, I instantly poured it into my mouth. The meat filled my mouth, mingling with the juice.

Gulp—

I swallowed the well-chewed meat down my throat. I always think this buffet is great.

The quantity is considerable, but the quality is stunningly high. Truly feels like a proper Academy.

Crack! Crunch! Crunch!

“Again? You’re chewing on bones again. Sivar, bones aren’t meant to be eaten.”

As I munched away on bones, Luna scolded me. I responded with an annoyed expression, looking her way.

Is that too much? They say dogs wouldn’t even bother when eating, yet here I am getting scolded for it. Reading my thoughts, Kara intervened.

“Just let it be. At least it leaves no food waste behind.”

“What if his teeth break or something?”

“It’ll grow back, right? My father said they do.”

“…How do teeth grow back?”

Luna looked at me with a mix of incredulity and curiosity. Of course, I paid no mind to that.

When it comes to mealtime, I focus to an extreme. It’s just like when I was living in the wilderness.

You might wonder why. It’s due to my ‘Digestion’ trait. Eating attentively helps with quicker digestion and recovery of magic power.

If I eat carelessly like a snack, my digestion will be abysmally slow, and I gather less magic. It also allows me to save time, which is an added bonus.

More than anything, my body demands it. After every hunt, I needed to exert immense effort, thus enhancing my digestive capabilities.

“Excuse me for a moment?”

Suddenly, an unfamiliar male voice broke into my thoughts. I raised my head, still gnawing on a chicken leg.

Upon lifting my head, I found a giant of a man looming over me. Though not as big as Hector, he was still quite substantial.

Moreover, his appearance was intimidating. A sharp, angular face, a notably bold forehead, and lastly, a scar running horizontally across his left eye.

I recognized who this person was immediately.

“Sorry to interrupt your meal. I wouldn’t have done this if it wasn’t for the timing.”

“Um… who are you?”

Luna’s curiosity piqued more about the man’s identity than the disturbance during our meal. Kara didn’t say anything, but her expression indicated she felt similarly.

Though I was somewhat irritated that my meal was disrupted, my annoyance dissipated the moment I saw the man.

“Apologies for the late introduction. Allow me to introduce myself formally. I am Kronos from the Granada Empire.”

“Kronos? The might of Granada?”

Upon hearing the name, Kara acknowledged him. Kronos responded politely.

“It seems Princess Tartar is acquainted with my name.”

“It wouldn’t be strange not to. He’s fought with our father.”

Now that I think about it, he did have a scuffle with Hector. That scar was likely from the encounter.

Kronos, touching his scar in response to Kara’s words, briefly cast a glance my way.

I merely blinked back at him, unsure of what to say. It was clear he had some interest in me.

“If you don’t mind, may I sit down?”

“Oh, sure. It’s fine. I’m almost done with my meal.”

I cleared my bowl, shoveling the remaining food into my mouth. I was wrapping up my meal anyway.

After chewing thoroughly for proper digestion, I directed my attention back to Luna. She wore an awkward smile as she addressed Kronos.

“Uh… looks like you’ve come right at the end.”

“Indeed. Once again, I apologize for my rudeness.”

Kronos sat down across from us after apologizing once more.

The three of us were adjacent, not needing anyone to move for a change.

As Kronos took his seat, he wiped the crumbs and sauces from his mouth with a napkin.

Despite having consumed food at a remarkable pace, he managed to keep things tidy enough to maintain manners.

“Is it okay for me to be here?”

“If it doesn’t inconvenience you, it’s fine.”

In response to Kara’s murmured comment, Kronos accepted it readily. It certainly would be awkward to leave at this point.

In the meantime, I surveyed my surroundings. I noticed several curious glances directed our way.

However, most seemed preoccupied either with their meals or their own business, choosing not to interfere.

Meanwhile, rumors would likely circulate. “The representative from the Granada Empire personally approached Luna,” they’d say.

“So, what brings you here… if I may ask without sounding strange?”

“If you’re suggesting to get to the point, then I shall do just that.”

“Please do. This is my first time going through such a situation.”

“Understood. We wish for you to accept our emblem.”

A straightforward recruitment proposal. This is how the events play out, with each empire’s cultivator directly choosing.

By accepting this, one would receive that nation’s emblem, signifying their affiliation.

If you visit that country with the emblem, you would receive various benefits.

However, if you enter an enemy nation while possessing it, you’ll find it more trouble than it’s worth.

“This is directed at you as well. We desire the power you’ve demonstrated.”

Kronos’s direct appeal to me was the second after Luna. The power I showcased in the duel would probably be enough to captivate the Granada Empire.

As for the Matra Empire, it’s a bit hazy. While they might be fascinated by strength, they’d hesitate because I’ve lived in the wilderness.

From my perspective, the Granada Empire makes the most sense. But I won’t be choosing either way.

The reason will soon be revealed. Since Kronos visited, it won’t be long until that other person arrives as well.

“Our empire accepts anyone regardless of status, provided they possess talent. If you have strength and ability, you can attain whatever you desire.”

“And how can you prove that?”

“I am living proof.”

Kronos hails from a commoner background. However, after enlisting in the army, he quickly rose to prominence and ascended to the rank of general.

This is something simply unimaginable for the status-conscious Matra Empire. Therefore, if one seeks a more progressive environment, choosing the Granada Empire would be prudent.

In fact, players often lean towards the Granada Empire quite frequently. Considering it’s a game, they don’t seem to care much for ethics.

“Of course, you likely hear that we are unethical, lacking in morality. However, we must fight…”

“Oh gracious, what are you doing there?”

Just then, while Kronos was elaborating, a melodious female voice chimed in, cutting through the conversation.

Upon recognition of that voice, I thought internally. Finally, the person who needed to show up had arrived.

“You shouldn’t jump in right away, General.”

Clack-clack-clack—

A voice both bright and refined, that somewhat resembled Grace’s but still completely unique. The sound of distinct heels followed soon after.

I turned my head towards the origin of the sound and saw a woman approaching us.

My first thought was simply one word: white.

From her ponytail down to her clothing, everything was a pure white color.

The woman, reminiscent of a white swan, wore a beaming smile as she playfully spoke.

“Why the hurry? Why is it that a general has come all this way? I’m curious; can I join in?”

“…Gloria.”

Kronos’s expression darkened as he called out in exasperation. At the mention of her name, Luna gazed at the woman with surprise.

With an elegance reminiscent of a proud swan, she embodied what it means to be a ‘noble.’

The blade of Matra, the cultivator had arrived.

“What you should be concerned about is not my business. I’d rather you leave.”

“What if I say no? This seems like it could become an amusing conversation; I’d like to join.”

“Is it customary in the Matra Empire to be so rude?”

“Rude? Rather, I think it’s an appropriate visit.”

An unyielding standoff. They spoke politely, yet it was clear their feelings were otherwise.

For Luna, caught in the center, it must be torture. In fact, she was sweating coldly, clearly bewildered.

But there’s no need for concern. It might come off as fierce if you only hear the conversation.

Especially before one uncovers the ‘secret’ that lies beneath.

‘Ah, what a turn of events.’

The blade of Matra and the might of Granada.

These two factions, famous rivals externally, and like oil and water, seemed incapable of forming a bond.

‘Seeing it like this, everything is so obvious.’

In truth, they enjoy a secret romance.

Didn’t I mention that I wouldn’t have to choose earlier? That’s the reason.

‘It’s strikingly different from what I’d seen in the game. Just look at those smirks.’

Once you uncover the secret, they’ll offer you the chance to keep it hush-hush.

And it’s something they share together.

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