Chapter 63

The survival training was over. The students were each taking a break while waiting for their evaluations.

First up were the teams that had tried to unite forces to eliminate Sivar. Their plans were meaningless in the face of overwhelming strength, leaving everyone anxious and restless.

Even though they cooperated, they ultimately failed to achieve their main goal of survival, so their evaluations were bound to be affected.

However, Luna didn’t care. Whether her evaluation dropped or not, she had achieved her goal.

That was to find an opportunity to be alone with Sivar. Such an opportunity was rare indeed.

‘Okay, we’re definitely alone together now, but how can I create a reason for it?’

That’s what I pondered continuously after getting eliminated. How could I get a reason to face Sivar one-on-one?

Gloria and Kronos were secretly meeting under the guise of sparring. But Sivar was different.

He was someone more closely watched than Kara at the Academy. Rumors would inevitably spread wherever he went.

Fortunately, the Principal Rod was covering for him well, but now Rod had to be deceived too. Things were complicated in every way.

‘I can’t persuade anyone at the café. Restaurants are also tricky. I hope the sparring doesn’t break anything.’

After returning to the lodging post-elimination, I continued to contemplate. What plausible reason would even convince Rod?

It wasn’t just Rod; I also had to convince Eli and Kara. Setting a promise was one thing, but there were problems piling up.

‘The only thing left is going to collect herbs together every weekend…’

I was already going herb-collecting with Eli every weekend. This moment could be subtly exploited.

Normally, Sivar would have to stay by her side, but Ratatosk could take over that role, which posed no issues.

Ratatosk was a spirit creature with strength rivaling Sivar, and being sensitive to nature should be a huge help.

‘Or I could just go without Eli.’

That’s the best option. Creating a justifiable reason while avoiding suspicion from anyone.

But the first step is always the hardest. Getting to that natural situation would be a challenge.

Though Luna had no prior experience of this sort and was stuck in thought, coincidentally, someone else had faced a similar situation.

Not exactly similar; this person was currently undergoing it. Since the past, they had never drawn anyone’s suspicion.

“Oh my. Oh my. What did you just say?”

“I’m curious about how to arrange a meeting without arousing others’ suspicion.”

Luna and Sivar were being taught various magic techniques by the instructors, Gloria and Kronos.

Gloria’s blue eyes sparkled upon hearing Luna’s question. Her face illuminated with interest and anticipation.

She then turned her head to glance at Sivar. He was in the midst of training in martial arts with Kara’s help.

Kronos was also present because martial arts demonstrations required two or more individuals to be effective.

“Does Sivar-senpai happen to know as well?”

Gloria asked in a hushed tone. It was a very quiet whisper meant not to be overheard by others, especially Kara.

Kara was so focused on Sivar’s training that she paid no attention. Luna also stole a glance at Sivar.

The promise was set. They’d agreed to meet one-on-one to talk. Sivar nodded in response.

The path to achieving the result might be convoluted, but the outcome itself was already determined.

“Yeah. I mentioned it during the survival training. I said we should talk later, just the two of us.”

“During the training?”

Gloria’s eyes widened at the response about having spoken during the training. She knew how the training sessions were conducted.

So it was very likely that the professors also knew Luna had made a promise with Sivar.

The equipment set up in the forest kept track of the situation in real-time. However, the speed of rumor spreading would be slow.

‘At this point, even the Sword Saint must be aware… if it’s just a secret from Kara, it makes sense.’

Gloria looked back at Kara. She was teaching Sivar with a bright smile on her face.

What happened during the survival training was somewhat ambiguous to Luna, as she hadn’t taken a keen interest in it in the first place.

However, she figured she should at least hear it once. What had transpired between Sivar and Luna, and what situation had unfolded?

Helping someone with their secret romance was thrilling, but also thrilling was the prospect of helping another’s secret romance.

“Alright then. Sounds good. I’ll give you advice as long as I can help.”

“Really?”

Luna’s blue eyes widened, beaming with a radiant smile. Her pure grin shone like sunlight, making her look incredibly beautiful.

Gloria smiled warmly at that sight. Love truly does make a person more beautiful than before.

“Of course. After all, you might be one of my future juniors, right? There’s no reason not to help out a student like that.”

“Thank you!”

“Shh. You must be quiet, okay?”

When Luna energetically expressed her gratitude, Gloria shushed her by putting a finger to her lips.

If she drew undue attention, the promise they had just made could turn into scrap.

“Ah! I’m sorry.”

Realizing her mistake a little too late, Luna made a sheepish expression. In Gloria’s eyes, it only looked cuter.

“Well, we’ve made a promise, and since you seem to be struggling to fulfill that promise…”

“By the way, Sivar finds sparring tough, and it’s also difficult to share a meal somewhere.”

“Why’s that? If we can’t find an appropriate place to meet…”

Gloria paused mid-sentence. It was clear that Sivar was far from an ordinary person.

An ordinary individual would come up with several reasons, but Sivar was extremely limited.

So what would be good? Gloria briefly pondered a scenario that was both similar yet different.

‘I don’t know Sivar well enough to get into the details, so I should teach her how to paint a bigger picture first.’

Usually, coming up with the bigger picture was Kronos’s specialty. He had traversed numerous battlefields and had a broad perspective.

Having risen from the bottom to the rank of commander, his ability to visualize the big picture was significant.

It was a little funny to use such ability for secret romance, but it’s hard without it.

“It’s definitely challenging. It might even be more difficult than the situation we’re in?”

“Is it really that hard?”

“Since the options are limited. The only method is…”

Gloria continued to mull over and over to find a solution for the young girl who was nurturing her innocent love.

She speculated that the presence of a rival would make for a pretty significant trial, but she was nothing more than an advisor.

While she could give advice, the choice was always up to Luna. Ultimately, the individual’s choices shape the future.

“Ah! I just thought of a good method.”

“Really?”

“Yes. But if you miss it, it’ll be hard to get another chance. Are you aware that the Holy Kingdom of Byzantium is sending a greeting soon?”

“I’ve never heard of that.”

It was a story Luna had never heard. After the survival training, she hadn’t heard much since then.

Gloria nodded as if she had expected that. The Academy would notify them soon, but knowing in advance didn’t hurt.

“The Academy periodically receives visitors from Byzantium every quarter to scout for talent. The students pray or perform rites according to each religion during that time. It’s all about finding aptitudes.”

“Rites, huh…”

The Goddess of Life Gaia corresponds with prayer, while the God of Destruction Gulrak corresponds with rites. Naturally, Luna’s gaze drifted towards Kara.

In Tartar, it could be said that the state religion is Gulrak, as most people worship him. Consequently, they wield lightning with ease.

“That’s when you should seize your opportunity. Since Kara is a follower of Lord Gulrak, there’s a valid reason to fall back on, right? You can say you’re going to pray to the Goddess Gaia and grab time alone together. What do you think?”

“I… don’t think that’s going to work.”

“Huh? You think it won’t work? Could it be that you’re also a follower of Lord Gulrak?”

Gloria couldn’t help but think so. It was indeed a rare opportunity, yet Luna had drawn a line instead.

But contrary to her thoughts, it wasn’t Kara who posed the problem, but Sivar. Luna already knew which God’s choice Sivar had received.

“It’s not that; it’s that Sivar is the problem. He has the choice of Chaos.”

“Chaos? Is that the same Chaos I know?”

“Yes, the Chaos God, indeed. I heard he received that choice.”

“Interesting. I’ve heard there are very few who receive the choice of Chaos…”

Gloria said that while glancing at Sivar. He was rolling on the ground with Kara, practicing grappling.

This was not an odd expression—quite literally, it was practice. He wasn’t doing anything foolish.

“What happens to those chosen by Lord Chaos? I’ve heard Byzantium embraces all religions…”

“Well… I’m not too sure if a follower of Lord Chaos will come. It’s a rather unconventional religion with many peculiarities…”

Followers of Chaos are famous for being odd in various ways. The small number only makes them more conspicuous.

Still, the reason they are recognized as a religion without being persecuted as a cult is pretty simple.

“There are incredibly strong individuals among the followers of Chaos, for one. They hardly cause trouble for those around them.”

“Who’s a notable example? I’m not familiar with many.”

“Notable… I can think of just one.”

Gloria lifted her head to think. Among the clergy, a peculiar yet devout individual.

A person who never forgets their duties as a cleric while being infinitely righteous.

“Priest Gwonseong Rize.”

“Gwonseong? Does she have skills similar to the Principal?”

“Yes, she wields Blue Magic, just like the Sword Saint, Rod.”

Just hearing that sounded immensely strong, Luna thought.

“Also, she’s referred to as the Saint Rize.”

“Saint…?”

Luna’s face went blank. She came from a rural backwater, but she’d heard of a name like Saint before.

Occasionally, there were clerics who traveled around for pilgrimage and proselytization. The name of a saint was always among those.

But the combination of Gwonseong and Saint was an unusual pairing. What a bizarre combination, indeed.

“She can be called the face of Byzantium and a power in herself. Also, she is believed to be the one most favored by Chaos.”

“Uh… that doesn’t resonate with me. What exactly does she do…?”

“Perhaps it won’t resonate. However, the conviction she holds is quite famous.”

Luna was curious. How could such a combination translate into a singular purpose?

What was that conviction that earned her the favor of Chaos?

In the meantime, Gloria revealed the unusual creed of Rize.

“To be a true cleric is not merely to be someone who heals the afflicted. It’s about finding and eliminating the source of suffering. That’s the true virtue of a cleric.”

“……”

“Though it might sound somewhat heretical, if you don’t address the source, it’s like pouring water into a bottomless ditch. She always leads by example, so her reputation is high. Do you get any sense of who she is?”

Luna succinctly replied.

“No.”

It felt like all common sense had fallen apart. What could possibly classify as clerical work? Not one to slay demons.

Gloria seemed to understand that feeling and nodded. She too felt that way at first.

“You don’t need to dig too deeply. She’s an extremely busy individual and quite unpredictable. Plus, she likely won’t be present for such matters.”

“Hmm…”

There was a deeply unsettling feeling.

Especially because she was favored by Chaos.

*****

The Holy Kingdom of Byzantium.

Religion-wise, it held the highest status and authority in the world.

Each country has its own national religions, but Byzantium was a city built solely for the gods.

It naturally bore the unique coloring of religion, and many believers worshiped the God of Destruction, Gulrak, so its national power was formidable.

Above all, the greatest feature of Byzantium was that it was a neutral country. A neutral stance cannot be held without some form of backing.

In that sense, the influence Byzantium has in the world is immeasurable. It’s the place that produces the most clerics and also has holy sites.

“Please reconsider one more time, Saint Rize! Why are you suddenly going to the Academy!”

Currently, however, Byzantium was in a tumultuous state internally. Outwardly, it was eerily calm, a stark contrast.

“The Chaos God has spoken. Go there and meet your fate. I merely follow the words of the Chaos God.”

The response came from a woman to a man’s desperate pleas, presumed to be a paladin.

Contrary to the woman’s delicate beauty, her appearance was strikingly robust. Muscles that could put even most men to shame.

Her biceps and trapezius were far beyond ordinary. Her thick arms resembled pillars holding up a building.

At first glance, she might look more like a man than a woman, and her features were rather intimidating. You wouldn’t believe she was female.

Though her outfit left most of her muscles exposed, her chest was thoroughly concealed. It was a case of many confusions.

“Are you implying you won’t follow the words of the deity…?”

“Of course not! It’s just… it’s suddenly so abrupt! If I go without notice, everyone will be thrown into chaos!”

The paladin answered in a frantic tone. If she heads to the Academy, it would be nothing short of a disaster.

Just her going would cause a ruckus—yet the person standing here was more than that.

“At least appear as the Saint rather than the Priest! If you go like that, it’s going to feel like an inquisition for heresy!”

The issue was her current state. She looked like a muscular beast.

To head to the Academy in this state? It’s akin to pointing out their problems outright.

Thus, she needed to head to the Academy as the Saint, not the Priest. Please understand our position as well.

Perhaps swayed by the paladin’s almost pleading words, or perhaps it was a reasonable persuasion.

“Sigh…”

Boom!

As the woman sighed, a small explosion occurred. More accurately, it went “bang!” before smoke started to waft.

The paladin showed no reaction to the explosion as if it were normal. Only the ‘Saint’ within quietly awaited.

“This appearance is suboptimal, but it can’t be helped.”

Unlike just moments ago, her tone shifted to something infinitely softer.

Amidst the thick fog, a silhouette stirred like a shadow.

Suddenly, it had shrunk drastically compared to the muscular figure from before. The paladin felt an inward relief upon seeing the figure.

‘No, why am I relieved?’

While less than the ‘Priest,’ the ‘Saint’ was still quite a perplexing appearance. The paladin raised her head and looked towards the mist.

At that moment, the mist began to disperse, revealing what lay inside.

That appearance was unmistakably worthy of the title “Saint.”

“The Chaos God said it would be entertaining.”

Her smiling face was nothing short of beautiful.

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