Chapter 52

Next up after the enhancer event is our practice, survival. Just like Malboro explained, it’s quite similar to a battle royale.

But the crucial thing is, you don’t have to eliminate your opponents. The most important part is survival.

Maybe that’s why, when it comes down to it, choices appear at the end.

You have to decide whether to agree with your opponent for a joint victory or go solo for survival.

There’s no penalty for whatever you choose. If you choose survival, your honor increases a tad before it’s all over.

‘They say it’s 12 hours, but honestly, it’s way longer than that.’

Malboro told us the practice would run from 7 AM to 7 PM, but that’s just a kind way of saying it’s a lot longer.

Does it really make sense to give a heads-up when the theme is survival? Absolutely not.

So right before the practice kicks off, they’ll reveal the fact that the time has massively increased.

Naturally, the students will be in a shaky mental state while doing this. The professors are totally counting on that.

‘What a bunch of losers for teammates.’

The worst part is that the teammates get assigned randomly based on rank, swinging between heaven and hell.

If luck’s on your side, you might end up surviving smoothly; if not, welcome to the hell of “group projects.”

It’s so pathetic that even established players can’t help but resort to prayer meta during this time.

If you’ve got ‘luck,’ your teammates’ abilities improve, but who knows? That too is random and meaningless.

‘At least Antonio is on Luna’s team, so that should help a bit.’

Antonio has a strategic mind, so he’d probably mesh well with Luna. Even if he’s a bit underhanded, it shouldn’t be a huge issue.

I don’t know much about Kara, but she seems like a safe bet. If I can’t remember her name, there’s almost a certainty there.

Of course, right now, the most important thing to me is my own teammates: Grace, me, and finally, Lee Yeon-joo.

Grace is one thing, but I’ve heard this Lee Yeon-joo character is quite interesting.

“I know, Sivar? You have to talk well even without us around. Can you handle that?”

Eli held my hand tightly as she earnestly reminded me. Her golden eyes were filled with worry and concern.

She looked like a mom sending her child off to kindergarten, wondering if her little one would fit in.

While it seemed ridiculous to me, I could understand why Eli felt that way. She had to send me off alone with no guardian to help.

“I’m not sure this is the right thing. Is it really okay to send Sivar off alone?”

Kara scratched her head, looking perplexed. Naturally, she was asking Rod.

Rod nodded at her question and replied in his usual calm tone.

“It’s fine. I spoke with Grace, so there’s no need for concern. If Sivar does something wrong, I told them to report it immediately.”

“Hmm…”

“It wouldn’t be bad for Sivar to make new friends aside from you all.”

Kara looked a bit skeptical at Rod’s carefree words. While there’s some truth to it, her worries are hard to shake.

Despite having recently made a huge blunder, he was trusting me. Even I found that odd.

He must have either recruited someone or asked Porori for help. Anyway, there’s no way I would mess up.

“By the way, you look really cool in that! Who dressed you?”

“I did! How do I look? Pretty cool, right?”

Despite that, the clothing was uncomfortable. Eli responded energetically to Kara’s compliment.

A simple combination of a summer black shirt and white pants. But the true essence of fashion is always the face.

With a body and face that complement each other, anything would look good on me, regardless of my discomfort.

‘If nothing else, I wish the shoes were slippers.’

Sneakers are uncomfortable no matter when you wear them. I was in slippers during class, but not today.

Soon, the adjustment period will end, and I’ll be officially enrolled; after that, I’ll naturally start wearing a school uniform.

Even then, I can’t insist on slippers, but Eli convinced me it was just part of getting used to it.

Knock, knock—

[President, it’s Grace. May I come in?]

It was just about the agreed time. Grace arrived at the residence right on schedule.

At this, Luna stepped forward from where she waited at the door, while Eli looked at me with even more concern.

I could say it’s a bit much, treating me like a child, but given my track record, their worry is completely understandable.

For now, it’s best to quietly listen to Grace and build a connection with Lee Yeon-joo, who’ll be my teammate.

Creeeak—

As Luna opened the door, Grace appeared with a smile.

She wore a perfectly fitted white blouse and a skirt that accentuated her slim waist. Even in regular clothes, she exuded an academic vibe.

Lastly, her confident smile and fierce gaze gave off a strongly authoritative feel.

“Luna’s here too. Nice to see you.”

“…… Yes.”

While Grace greeted her warmly, Luna responded cautiously, as if recalling yesterday’s incident where they had exchanged some harsh words.

But it seemed like Grace didn’t mind, as she simply smiled and turned her gaze towards me.

“…… You really don’t look like someone who spent time in a forest.”

After taking in my well-dressed appearance, she made an assessment. Following a look of surprise, she broke into a satisfied smile.

It could be that I looked much neater compared to yesterday’s somewhat shabby look. I would’ve preferred to dress casually, but Eli had stopped me.

“Grace, as I mentioned yesterday, if anything happens, please report it immediately.”

“Yes. Understood, President.”

“Sivar, you should start getting ready too.”

“Sivar… you can do it, right?”

At Rod’s encouragement, Eli gripped my hand even tighter. Her worried expression deepened.

You’d think we were never going to see each other again. I spoke up to calm her down.

“Trust me.”

“Okay…! Make sure to talk well with Grace!”

“You’d think we’re about to part forever.”

Kara said this, almost amazed at our antics. But she, too, had a worried look on her face.

Finally, I released Eli’s hand and turned to walk away. Grace’s smile grew as I approached.

It seems she’s planning to ease me into something this time. I’m willing to ‘at least for now’ play along.

“Well then, we’ll be on our way. President.”

“Right. I hope nothing happens.”

“Of course it should be that way. And Luna?”

“Yes?”

Just before leaving, Grace called out to Luna, who was slowly trying to distance herself and suddenly flinched at the call.

Looking at the startled Luna, Grace smiled widely. She then expressed what had been on her mind.

“As you said, I’ll go struggle without you.”

“Haha… Yes…”

Now that I think about it, I realize Grace can be quite the petty character herself.

******

Grace’s plan is simple. Since it’ll be tough to win Sivar over quickly, the aim is to gradually build rapport.

Sivar knows nothing about the world’s dynamics or even what civilization is. So it’s best to start with the most basic things.

‘For example, meals.’

To become friends with Sivar while also devising a plan, Grace had pre-arranged a dining spot. A restaurant boasting quite a price tag.

It’s a spot that commoners and even most nobles often avoid due to the price, but the taste is top-notch given its cost.

‘Sivar eats a lot, but that should be alright.’

She had gathered fragmented information about Sivar. From being impossibly strong to having a colossal appetite.

He usually resolves his hunger at buffets, and from what she heard, he can easily devour five servings.

Unless it’s a buffet, there’s no way to satisfy his appetite. Grace has the financial ability to handle that.

‘Money’s provided by the family.’

The Duke of Verche, while leaning towards individualism, adequately supports his children financially.

However, Grace focuses more on other aspects than materialistic desires or the need to show off. Hence, her spending mainly revolves around clothes.

‘There’s no need to rush. We can get close gradually. Little by little.’

Grace glanced back. She could see Sivar trailing along like a chick follows its mother.

Having been surrounded by handsome men while living as a noble lady, she thought Sivar’s beauty was on a whole other level.

One could believe he was a masterpiece painstakingly crafted by sculptors. But perhaps that’s why he felt surreal and hard to relate to.

‘He’s such an enigmatic man.’

With no knowledge of who his parents are, no background, he seemed like a being who had just dropped from the sky.

Yet he possessed impressive strength and bore red eyes, giving him an aura of mystique.

That only fueled her curiosity about where this man’s true strength comes from.

Whether it’s a loyalty similar to humanity, or something closer to the fierce loyalty of a dog or wolf.

Only time would tell. For now, getting closer is the priority.

“Sivar.”

“?”

First things first, about the distance. Grace took a step back, naturally starting to walk alongside Sivar.

Sivar wore an expression that seemed indifferent to the whole thing.

The start of friendship begins with personal space. Even if there’s a difference in status, the distance can feel close or far depending on the position.

“What’s your favorite food, Sivar?”

“Food?”

“Yeah. Food.”

It’s not bad to toss around a simple question. Subjects both can relate to are perfect for easing up boundaries.

“Meat.”

“Meat, huh? You really love your beef. What else?”

“Candy.”

“Candy?”

Sivar’s love for candy after meat drew a puzzled look from Grace. In a way, candy is food too.

Yet she never expected candy to be mentioned by Sivar. Sometimes she would see him munching on something and now it all makes sense.

“Looks like that’s your favorite snack. So, any other favorites?”

“Meat.”

“…… Is that all?”

“Candy.”

“······”

It’s probably best to leave this topic be. Grace resolved that in her mind.

It seemed Sivar hadn’t had much to eat since entering civilization.

He might’ve sampled various dishes at the buffet, but for Sivar, it likely all tasted like meat.

Thinking that way, it made more sense. This is something he’ll sort out as he gradually adapts to the civilization.

“What was the most fun part of coming to the academy?”

“Fun?”

“Yeah.”

“Hmm…”

Sivar showed a hint of contemplation at Grace’s question. She quietly waited for her answer.

He didn’t look confused about the question’s intent. Had that been the case, he might’ve cocked his head or asked back.

After a while of pondering, just when Grace wondered if she should move to another question,

“Ah! Beam!”

“Beam?”

“Death! Beam!”

It was now Grace’s turn to be puzzled by a word she’d never heard before.

She had received various education in her lineage but had never heard of the term death beam.

“Death beam? What’s that? It doesn’t seem like something you eat, but can you show me?”

“No.”

“Why not?”

“Rod. I’ll get scolded.”

Putting the pieces together, it sounded like Rod would scold him over this. Grace’s expression grew more complicated.

What on earth kind of death beam could get Sivar scolded by Rod? One thing’s for sure—it’s definitely not normal.

“Alright. But you should show me when you get the chance.”

“Okay.”

“That’s a promise, right? You know not to break promises?”

“Okay.”

Whoever taught him did a good job. Grace smiled broadly.

If Sivar deemed it the most fun, that definitely means there’s something to it.

Perhaps he’ll unveil it in the upcoming survival practice. Her interest in him deepened.

“We’re almost there. I think Yeon-joo is… Ah, over there.”

Upon arriving at the agreed location, Grace pointed to a spot. Sivar turned his gaze in that direction too.

An individual with black hair and eyes typically found among those of the Eastern Empire, along with rich apricot skin.

The person she was looking for was sitting on a bench near the plaza fountain, fiddling with something.

“Lee Yeon-joo?”

“Yes, yes, yes?!”

Grace approached, and the girl jolted in surprise. It wasn’t like she came up silently—her reaction seemed overly exaggerated.

It seems she got momentarily distracted. Oddly enough, she managed to hide whatever she’d been toying with behind her back.

The Eastern Empire student, Lee Yeon-joo, looked up with wide eyes and hurriedly opened her mouth.

“Ah, ah! Duke Verche…!”

“As I mentioned yesterday, please just call me Grace. We’ll be working as a team, right?”

“Oh. Yes, yes. That’s right. And next to me is…?”

Yeon-joo’s gaze shifted sideways. Sivar was looking down at her, towering over Grace.

With his bright red eyes and posture away from the sun, he gave off an imposing vibe.

“Yiiih…!”

“……”

Yeon-joo gasped dramatically at his seemingly scary demeanor. Meanwhile, Sivar merely stared blankly at her.

He observed the frightened expression on Yeon-joo’s face. Objectively speaking, she was a typical Eastern beauty.

With delicate features and a tear mark just beneath her left eye. A mix of cuteness and maturity.

Her generally slender figure and petite size reminded one of a small, fluffy dog.

“You don’t have to be so scared, Yeon-joo. Sivar is on your team after all, right?”

“Y-yes…! I’m sorry…!”

Grace gazed quietly at Yeon-joo, who immediately fell into an apology. She had gathered information ahead of time.

‘Lee Yeon-joo. From the Hwan Empire. Occupation: Thief. No notable achievements, ranking low. Related by blood to Professor Lee Yeon-hwa. Comes from a renowned family.’

Her weaknesses included her overly timid personality and lack of initiative. That was Grace’s stored information about Yeon-joo.

She wasn’t enthusiastic nor focused, simply living by the flow of consciousness.

To be frank, Grace couldn’t fathom why this person got accepted to the academy.

She wasn’t making an effort, nor was she enthusiastic, and there were no standout talents.

Under normal circumstances, she wouldn’t pay attention to someone like that. She only gathered information since they were going to be teammates.

‘Still, coming early means she’s got some basics down for sure.’

That was a passing grade. Many people failed to even arrive on time, but Yeon-joo showed up a bit early.

‘A lacking teammate is still a talent in leading them back on track.’

Having entered the academy, she wasn’t completely useless. Grace felt a swell of confidence.

Besides, Sivar was there. The most reliable figure in a theme of survival.

With his abilities, he could go beyond covering for Yeon-joo’s absence and lead the way single-handedly.

‘But riding along is an absolute no. I have to prevent my own evaluation from declining.’

But being too strong remains a concern. There’s a high chance good evaluations will gravitate solely towards Sivar.

The difficulty level is high on several fronts. Grace slowly formed her plans in her mind as she spoke up.

“Now that everyone’s gathered, should we head to the restaurant? I bet Yeon-joo will like it too.”

“I can’t afford that expensive place…”

“I’ll cover it! This is something the team leader has to do. Sivar, you’ll come along, right?”

“Yeah.”

“Sounds good.”

Grace smiled with satisfaction. Both Sivar and Yeon-joo seemed rather passive.

That just means she could lead things the way she wanted. What a fortunate situation.

In the East, they say a boat will go off course if the steersmen are numerous, right?

Disagreements won’t be a concern, the team is reliable, and tests shouldn’t be too challenging either.

There’s nothing that will hold them back. The only thing to watch out for would be the attention Sivar draws.

“Shall we go? It’ll be a good time to set forth the plans ahead.”

“Yes…”

“Okay.”

It truly felt like only smooth sailing was in store. Grace convinced herself of that.

‘Hehe. This practice will be a breeze.’

Little did her teammates know they were part of a villainous “group project.”

---